TREXLERTOWN, Pa. — International sprint stars delivered a night of world-class racing Friday evening at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center as Trinidad and Tobago’s Makaira Wallace and South Korea’s Taeho Choi claimed the prestigious UCI Fastest Woman and Fastest Man on Wheels titles during the second Friday Nights Under the Lights event of the 2026 season.
Wallace, riding for JLD Cycling Academy, showcased her exceptional speed and tactical prowess in the women’s sprint final, defeating Allentown native Mandy Marquardt of Edge Cycling in straight rides. Wallace posted winning times of 11.730 and 11.790 seconds over the final two-lap contests, averaging more than 61 km/h.
In the men’s sprint championship, Choi, representing the Gyeongsangbuk-do Sports Council, earned the Fastest Man on Wheels crown by defeating British standout William Munday of Star Track. Choi secured the title with a winning 200-meter effort of 10.850 seconds, reaching speeds of more than 66 km/h.
The bronze medal sprint finals also featured impressive performances, with Guatemala’s Nicole Hacohen Monteros earning third place in the women’s competition and California’s Dalton Walters capturing third in the men’s event.
Pattishall and Abshire Win Pro-Am Scratch Races
Earlier in the evening, Breinigsville native Reagen Pattishall thrilled local fans by winning the Women’s Pro-Am Scratch Race. Pattishall, riding for Turbo Velo Pickle Juice, outpaced an international field that included runner-up Mckenzie Milne of Canada and collegiate national champion Stephanie Lawrence of Star Track.
The Men’s Pro-Am Scratch Race saw Baton Rouge’s Lance Abshire continue his strong 2026 campaign. Racing for Chaney Windows and Doors, Abshire claimed victory ahead of Kyle Perry of First Internet Bank Cycling and John Borstelmann of TeamBSR Mustangs.
Watkinson Dominates Women’s Points Race
British National Derny Champion Dannielle Watkinson delivered one of the night’s most commanding performances in the Women’s Points Race. Racing for Star Track, Watkinson accumulated 41 points through consistent sprint victories and a strong finish to secure the gold medal.
Canadian rider Mckenzie Milne earned silver with 34 points, while Star Track’s Stephanie Lawrence claimed bronze with 29 points. Local favorite Reagen Pattishall rounded out the top five after a strong performance throughout the 60-lap contest.
Abshire and Jamieson Capture Madison Victory
The evening concluded with a thrilling 90-lap Madison that highlighted the teamwork and strategy that make the event one of track cycling’s most exciting disciplines.
Lance Abshire teamed with New Zealand standout Magnus Jamieson to give Chaney Windows and Doors A a dominant victory. The pair accumulated 88 points and gained a lap on the field to secure the win.
Star Track’s Enzo Edmonds and Otis Engel finished second with 46 points, while Liam Trepte and Akil Campbell of PSL-BSR completed the podium in third.
International Field Continues VPCC Tradition
The UCI Fastest Woman and Fastest Man on Wheels attracted riders from across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania, continuing the Valley Preferred Cycling Center’s tradition of hosting elite international competition.
The event was part of the VPCC’s 50th Anniversary season, celebrating five decades of world-class racing in Trexlertown.
Friday Nights Under the Lights continues June 12 with the BRL All-Stars and Keirin Cup, featuring some of the nation’s top sprinters and endurance specialists competing under the lights at the world-renowned velodrome.
For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit the Valley Preferred Cycling Center website.
Women’s Sprint Podium
- Makaira Wallace (Trinidad & Tobago)
- Mandy Marquardt (Allentown, Pa.)
- Nicole Hacohen Monteros (Guatemala)
Men’s Sprint Podium
- Taeho Choi (South Korea)
- William Munday (Great Britain)
- Dalton Walters (USA)
About the Valley Preferred Cycling Center
The Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania—known globally as T-Town—is one of the premier velodromes in the world. Since opening in 1975, the facility has hosted Olympic athletes, world championships, and community cycling programs serving thousands of riders annually. In 2026, VPCC celebrates its 50th Anniversary season, honoring its legacy while continuing to expand access to cycling through world-class racing and community programs.
Information provided to TVL by:
Jake Burns
