In the heart of MTB epicenter Fayetteville, Arkansas, amidst the rugged terrain and challenging trails, the Bear National Team showcased their prowess at the U20 MTB Championships over four intense race days.
Let's delve into the exhilarating victories and unwavering spirit of these young athletes.
Wednesday UCI C1 XCO:
The competition kicked off with the UCI C1 XCO event, setting the stage for a thrilling series of races. In a display of determination and skill, Bear National Team members dominated the podiums, leaving an indelible mark on the event. Nico Konecny soared to victory in the 17-18 Boys Cross Country category, claiming gold, with Luke Mosteller securing bronze. Notable performances were also seen in the U23 Men and Pro Women Cross Country races.
Friday Short Track and U23 HC XCO:
As the excitement continued to build, Friday saw the Short Track and U23 HC XCO races unfold. Once again, the Bear National Team demonstrated their dominance, with stellar performances in both disciplines. Vida Lopez de San Roman's stellar performance earned her gold in the 17-18 Girls Short Track race, while Bailey Cioppa and Makena Kellerman showcased their strength in the Pro Women category, securing silver and bronze respectively.
Saturday UCI HC XCO:
Saturday marked the pinnacle of the championships with the UCI HC XCO event. Amidst fierce competition, the Bear National Team stood tall, with Nico Konecny clinching another gold in the 17-18 Boys Cross Country category. The team's resilience and camaraderie shone through, evident in their impressive finishes across various categories, including Bailey Cioppa claiming gold in the U23 Women’s Cross Country race and Kellie Harrington’s earning bronze.
Sunday Amateur XC:
The adrenaline-fueled weekend culminated with the Amateur XC race on Sunday. Once again, the Bear National Team left a memorable mark, with Rowan Nistal taking the victory in the 15-16 Boys Cross Country category and Aida Linton clenching gold in the 15-16 Girls Cross Country Category.
JAMBAR at the US Pro Cup Supporting Bear National Team:
Amidst the thrills of the U20 MTB Championships, Adam Smith represented JAMBAR and brought an extra dose of enthusiasm and support to the Bear National Team. As a proud partner of the Bear National Team, JAMBAR was thrilled to have Adam onsite supporting Bear’s elite team at the US Pro Cup.
We look forward to continuing to support Bear National as they climb the ranks of the MTB racing world. We also want to give a special shout out to Bear National’s leader Julia Violich, as she has been an instrumental member in fostering growth and success within the cycling community.
The Bear National Team's performance at the U20 MTB Championships is a testament to their dedication, skill, and unwavering spirit. JAMBAR is incredibly proud to be a part of Bear National’s journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds for these amazing athletes!