USA Mountain Biking Team Poised for Success at 2026 World Championships

American Cyclists: Conquering the Globe at Val di Sole

Team USA's Diverse Roster for the Val di Sole Championships

The United States' contingent is strategically divided, featuring 24 Cross-Country (XC) racers and 25 Downhill (DH) specialists, covering categories from Elite to Junior, all vying for the prestigious rainbow jersey.

Cross-Country (XC) Powerhouse Lineup

The XC team boasts a strong mix of seasoned and emerging talents. The Elite Men's category includes Riley Amos and Bjorn Riley. For the Elite Women, Haley Batten, Savilia Blunk, Gwendalyn Gibson, Madigan Munro, and Kelsey Urban are set to compete. The U23 Men's team features Dan English, Nicholas Konecny, and Jack Spranger, while the U23 Women's squad comprises Bailey Cioppa, Makena Kellerman, and Greta Kilburn. The Junior Men's lineup is robust with Thomas Agnew, Rowan Nistal, Myles Perry, Kian Reid, Noah Scholnick, Charles Thomas, and Michael Ziomek. The Junior Women's division includes Lily Agnew, Aida Linton, and Sophia Wellmeier.

Downhill (DH) Adrenaline Seekers

In the Downhill discipline, the Elite Men's roster is stacked with Dylan Maples, Evan Medcalf, Dakotah Norton, Ryan Pinkerton, Richie Rude, Luca Shaw, and Asa Vermette. The Elite Women's category features Abby Hogie, Maylei Leaneagh, Matilda Melton, Anna Newkirk, and Kailey Skelton. The Junior Men's team includes Boston Bryant, Kai Burleson, Luca De Mas, Slade Gainey, Alex Mallen, and Luke Mallen. The Junior Women are represented by Winter Bush, Raina Logar, Zanna Logar, Mary McLarnon, Aletha Ostgaard, Samantha Porras, and Jade Savage.

Recent Victories Fueling American Ambitions

The American team arrives in Val di Sole with a wave of recent successes at various World Cups. Bjorn Riley secured his inaugural Elite World Cup win in Andorra earlier this year, adding to his three previous U23 World Cup victories. His consistent performance places him third in XCO and fourth in XCC overall standings. Savilia Blunk achieved her first Elite World Cup win in the XCC event at Lenzerheide, a testament to her consistent podium presence. U23 racer Makena Kellerman has also celebrated two victories this season in South Korea and Czechia.

Gravity Racers' Impressive World Cup Performances

On the gravity front, Asa Vermette made a remarkable Elite World Cup debut, qualifying first and winning in South Korea. With two additional podium finishes this year and five Junior wins under his belt, Vermette is a strong contender for both the World Championship and the Overall World Cup title. Luca Shaw finally claimed his first Elite World Cup victory this year, an achievement following 11 previous podium appearances. Anna Newkirk made history by becoming the first Elite American woman in over two decades to win a DH World Cup, marking her fifth podium finish of the season.

The Legendary Val di Sole Circuit

Val di Sole is no stranger to hosting major mountain biking events, having previously hosted the World Championships three times since 2008, in addition to numerous World Cup races. The track is renowned for its demanding characteristics. The Downhill course is infamous for its rough and challenging terrain, featuring steep chutes, technical sections riddled with rocks and roots, and exhilarating high-speed stretches. The Cross-Country course offers its own set of challenges, with steep, punchy climbs and intricate technical sections that weave through the forest, testing riders' endurance and skill.

Anticipating the Global Gathering in Val di Sole

From August 26th to 30th, Val di Sole, Italy, will transform into the epicenter of the mountain biking world, welcoming athletes from across the globe to compete for ultimate glory.