What’s in the Water on Pitney Drive?

Mendham Township teens and neighbors, Aidan Vollmuth and Maya Tassé, have been selected to represent the United States and Canada, respectively, on their elite junior national teams at the upcoming Cyclocross World National Championships. The races are slated to take place on January 31 - February 2 in Liévin, France.

Cyclocross is a complex style of bike racing that requires tremendous cardiovascular endurance and excellent bike handling skills. Each race involves multiple features such as varied terrain, man-made obstacles, and climbs and descents. In addition to powerful and intense stretches of cycling, racers must also dismount and carry their bicycles while running through various course sections and then remount and continue riding. At the elite junior level, athletes race for approximately 45 minutes on a closed course.

Aidan Vollmuth, a member of the Finkraft Junior Cycling Team, has been racing cyclocross since the age of 9. Before joining Finkraft Aidan raced for NJCX, the first junior cyclocross team in NJ. From an early age his passion for the sport and desire to succeed have been clear and have led to many outstanding performances including multiple state champion title wins and a 7th place finish in the US National Championship in December, 2024, in Louisville, KY.

This season, Aidan’s drive and success caught the early attention of the US National Team. As a result, Aidan earned the opportunity to represent the US in five World Cup races in Europe this season. When asked about Aidan’s selection by the US National Team, Roger Aspholm, Team Director and owner of the Finkraft Junior Cycling Team said, “It’s a long process, a lot of hard work, and there are so many logistical pieces that have to come together for a rider to achieve this incredible goal. Aidan just did that and we are super proud of him.”

Maya Tassé, a Canadian citizen, began racing cyclocross in 2021. In just four short years, Maya has proven to be a fierce competitor. Maya’s strength and determination have led to great results including multiple state champion title wins. This season Maya achieved several Top 10 finishes including a 9th place finish in the Canadian National Championship which took place in November, 2024, in Lévis, Quebec.

Shortly after the championship race, Maya was contacted by Cycling Canada, Canada’s national team, and was asked to represent Canada in the World Cup Race in Hoogerheide, Belgium (race took place on January 26, 2025), as well as in the upcoming World Championship race. According to Cycling Canada’s national team coach, Michael van den Ham, “Maya earned their selection for Cyclocross Worlds after their Top 10 races at the Canadian National Championships, Really Rad CX, and Charm City CX.”

Upon receiving the news, Maya felt very fortunate to be selected and “was over the moon. Going to worlds for CX has been one of my dreams for a very long time.” One of the first things Maya did was rush across the street to tell Aidan that they would both be racing in the World Cup at Hoogerheide and at the World Championships in Liévin. Maya and Aidan have been close since the Tassé family moved to Pitney Drive in 2017. The friends bonded over their love of sports, particularly cycling. In addition to racing together on NJCX, and being voted in as the team’s first co-captains in 2023, the friends have also competed in mountain bike races together on the West Morris Chainbreakers; track competitions on Mendham Magic; and swimming competitions on the former Mendham Health and Racquet Club swim team.

The young athletes have the support of many friends and family members cheering for them. NJCX head coach, Erin Falquier, is “proud to have been able to help them develop the skills and confidence to go from local racing to regional, national, and now international prominence.” She is “thrilled to see them pursuing their dreams at the World Championships.” Michael van den Ham added, “after racing their first ever Cyclocross World Cup in Hoogerheide this past weekend, I’m excited to see what Maya is able to do at the Cyclocross World Championships.”

Cyclocross has a long rich history in European countries, where it began in the early 1900s. When asked about their experiences in Europe Maya said, “Hoogerheide was a good first experience. I still can’t fully believe that I’m here. I’m excited to see the Liévin course and ride it.” Aidan is thrilled to now have the chance to race on courses he has dreamed of racing since childhood. He said, “It’s cool to see how many places are known for top level athletes. But it’s cooler to know that NJ could be one of those places in the future as over the years we see the level of our athletes rise.”

The Cyclocross World Championships will showcase 270 athletes from 55 different countries vying for 7 titles. Over 30,000 spectators are expected in attendance to watch the best cyclocross racers in the world.

For more information on the Cyclocross World Championships visit www.liévin2025.com