Round 4 of the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series brought the nation's fastest downhill racers to Snow Summit Bike Park in Big Bear, California, for the biggest race of the season—the USA Cycling National Championships. Unlike every other stop on the calendar, this weekend was about much more than championship points. Every rider lined up with one goal in mind: earning the coveted Stars and Stripes jersey sleeve and the title of National Champion for the next 12 months. It's a milestone every downhill racer dreams of, and one that can open doors to factory teams, sponsorship opportunities, and the next level of competition.
Snow Summit delivered exactly the kind of challenge riders expected. The course was one of the driest and most blown-out tracks the series has seen all year, with deep braking bumps, loose corners, and endless dust making every run a battle from top to bottom. Finding speed wasn't just about pedaling harder—it was about holding onto traction, carrying momentum through the roughest sections, and knowing exactly where to take risks. Every mistake came with a price, and every rider knew there were no second chances on championship day.
The Pro Men's final was packed with elite talent, but when the dust settled it was Monster Energy athlete Ryan Pinkerton who once again proved why he's one of the best in the country. Pinkerton laid down an incredible championship run to defend his National Championship title, taking first place for the second consecutive year and once again earning the right to wear the American flag on his sleeve. Right behind him were two Monster Army standouts, Dylan Maples in second and Nate Kitchen in third, completing an all-Monster podium in one of the fastest races of the weekend. It was a statement performance for the entire Monster program and a dominant showing against the nation's best.
In the Pro Women's class, Taylor Ostgaard put together one of her strongest rides of the season. Charging through the rough California terrain with confidence and precision, she delivered a nearly flawless run that earned her a third-place finish on the National Championship podium. Against an incredibly talented field, it was another impressive result and a performance that highlighted her consistency throughout the season.
The Cat 1 17–18 Men's category once again showcased the future of American downhill racing. Brent Shorter battled through one of the deepest and most competitive junior fields of the year, riding with determination to secure third place after an all-out effort on the demanding course. Every rider in the class was pushing beyond their limits, making every second count in the fight for a National Championship medal.
Over in the Cat 1 17–18 Women's class, Mary McLarnon also earned herself a spot on the podium with a strong third-place finish. Her smooth and composed race run kept her in contention all the way to the finish line, adding another impressive result to an already unforgettable championship weekend.
By the end of the day, Monster Energy and Monster Army athletes stood on podiums across every major class, making it one of the strongest team performances of the season. From defending national titles to breakthrough podiums, the weekend was filled with unforgettable moments and championship-level racing. Snow Summit's dry, beaten-up track tested every rider's skill, endurance, and commitment, and those who reached the podium truly earned their place. With another unforgettable National Championship in the books, the 2026 Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series continues to showcase the very best talent in American downhill racing.
