Watches and the Watched

McKenna McKee and Elite Women Sprinters Throw Down Some Big Time Racing for an Enthusiastic Crowd!

In the Valley of the Watchmakers, Tissot sponsors another point of interest, that is filled with talented elite athletes and enthusiastic fans – the Tissot Velodrome, in the storied town of Grenchen, Switzerland. It’s here that the 10th annual Track Cycling Challenge was held, December 12-13, 2025. McKenna arrived ready for this well-attended UCI C1 event, and showed the world what she is able to do on the track. On Friday M raced in her USA kit and had a good run in the Sprints, making it to the 1/8 finals.

On Saturday, McKenna came into the Keirin tournament, showing why she is the USA Elite Women Keirin National Champion, two years in a row. Round One started with 27 women, from 10 countries, 4 heats, and one moto pacer. Showing her focus, speed, and smarts, M placed first over Lauren Bell of Great Britain (also qualified) in Heat 2. It was the fastest of the four heats, at 63.813 km/h. Advancing into Round 2 (semi-finals), M’s starting position was 5th (next to last] behind the motor. She made her move with 2 ½ laps to go, and was able to finish comfortably in second, and move into the Final Round.

In the Final Round, M faced a situation that’s not that common in a keirin final – four of the six final riders were all from the same country – Great Britain. M drew position 3 for the start. Three riders above her were all Great Britain and one GBR rider starting below her. It was GBR finishing 1-2-3, but M put up a good fight the entire race, and came up just short, finishing 4th, just .067 sec behind Lauren Bell (GBR). Overall M had a very strong showing all day (almost 10 hours)!

McKenna summarizes her experience in Grenchen: “Super excited to be stepping fully into this next chapter with the big leagues. This season was a year of growth all the way around. Finished 4th in the Keirin yesterday! I’m proud of the result. Needless to say, I’m grateful to have things to improve upon. Honored to finish the year on a high note.”

Congratulations M on an amazing year of racing in 2025! We’re so very proud of you!