Merrick Gallagher, an 18-year-old track cyclist from Redmond, Washington, has established himself as one of American cycling’s most accomplished young talents. With 13 national championship titles and two American records in the U19 category—the team pursuit and individual pursuit—Gallagher has distinguished himself in both junior and elite competitions since beginning his track cycling career in 2020.
Initially a multisport athlete excelling in baseball, basketball, tennis, and soccer, he discovered his passion for track cycling while participating in JBMV’s Camp Velo and joining the Jerry Baker Junior race development program under the direction of Amara Edwards. These experiences led him to make the pivotal decision to focus exclusively on cycling in early 2023, a choice that has proven transformative for his athletic trajectory.
During his development with the Jerry Baker Junior Cycling Team, coaches Kenny Williams, Tyson Danilson, and Alex Seigel provided the technical foundation and competitive mentorship that propelled his rapid ascent. Gallagher’s early accolades included multiple first-place finishes in Cat 1/2 races, PNW regional championships, and British Columbia provincial championships. He demonstrated exceptional versatility across disciplines, including the international omnium, elimination, Madison, points races, scratch races, and team events, with particularly notable performances in endurance competitions.
At the 2024 USA Cycling Elite and Para Track National Championships in July, Gallagher secured U23 National Champion titles in both the International Omnium and Individual Pursuit. His progression in the Individual Pursuit proved especially remarkable—from a 3K time of 3:33.565 at the 2023 Junior Nationals in Carson, California, he recorded an impressive 3:21.4 (split at 3K) during the gold medal final, demonstrating dramatic improvement in a single year.
The 2024 USA Cycling Junior Track National Championships in August showcased Gallagher’s dominance across multiple events. He claimed first place in the Points Race, Elimination, Individual Pursuit, Team Sprint, and Team Pursuit. In the Individual Pursuit, he set a Junior Men’s Facility Record with a time of 3:26.6 for 3km, while the Team Sprint victory resulted in both Elite and Junior Men’s Facility Records. These performances underscored not only his individual prowess but also his exceptional ability in team events.
Gallagher’s achievements earned him selection to Team USA, and he has since represented the United States on the international stage at the UCI World Championships in Luoyang, China (August 2024), the Next Gen competition in Apeldoorn, Netherlands (January 2025), and the UCI World Championships in Apeldoorn (August 2025). These experiences at the highest level of international competition have further refined his racing acumen and competitive maturity.
As he has progressed to the senior ranks, US national coaches Anders Johnson, Jono Hailstone, and Gavin Manion continue to refine his technique and race craft. For the 2026 season, Gallagher joins WLR, marking an exciting new chapter in his cycling career and presenting fresh opportunities for continued growth at the elite level.
Gallagher’s rapid progression, record-breaking performances, and proven ability to excel in both individual and team competitions position him as one of American cycling’s most promising prospects. His dedication, versatile skill set, and the support of world-class coaching suggest a trajectory that extends well beyond national success. As he continues to gain international experience and compete against the world’s elite cyclists, Gallagher is poised to make substantial contributions to American cycling on the global stage, with aspirations that ultimately include Olympic participation.
Merrick Gallagher 