#USA #Monster Army #Ryan Pinkerton #Samantha Porras #Big Bear

Monster Army Mountain Bike Team Dominates Championships

The Monster Army mountain bike team celebrated a remarkable achievement at the 2025 USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships, held from July 31 to August 3 at the picturesque Snow Summit in Big Bear, California. The event saw some of the nation’s top athletic talents competing fiercely across multiple divisions, all while being held in partnership with the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Mountain Bike Series.

In what can only be described as a showcase of skill, determination, and speed, the competition featured both pro and amateur riders who brought their A-game. Among them stood out Ryan Pinkerton, representing the Monster Army. At just 20 years of age, Ryan captured the coveted title in the Elite Men category, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the downhill mountain biking circuit.

Pinkerton's Stellar Performance

Entering the finals seeded second after intense qualifiers, Pinkerton demonstrated his impressive technique and control throughout his run. With split times hitting record marks at both Split 3 and Split 4, he clinched the championship with an overall finish time of 247.838 seconds, earning not just the prestigious Stars and Stripes jersey, but also a cash prize of $4,000. Pinkerton expressed his exhilaration post-race, saying, "Laying down that run felt amazing. The win is great, but more than anything, I'm just proud of how I rode."

Joining him on the podium were his teammate Dante Silva, who placed fifth with a time of 250.190, and Luca Shaw, coming in fourth at 249.420 seconds. The performance of the Monster Army team underscored their stronghold in mountain biking, highlighting the team’s depth and talent across various age divisions.

Junior and Women’s Championships

The championships were not merely about the men, as the spotlight also shone brightly on the junior and women athletes. Samantha Porras, a 17-year-old rider from Los Angeles, shone in the Downhill Junior Women’s category, taking first place with a time of 320.096 seconds. Moreover, she also showcased her versatility by finishing third in the Junior Women 17-18 Pro Division.

Meanwhile, in the Junior Men’s 17-18 Downhill race, Luke Mallen made a commendable showing, finishing third with a time of 257.468 seconds, further enriching the competitive spirit of the event.

Tyler Wagoner, another impressive young athlete from Canyon Lake, emerged victorious in the Junior Men 15-16 Division, adding to the impressive medal tally of the Monster Army with a time of 259.036 seconds.

Dual Slalom Dominance

Transitioning to the dual slalom heat, the excitement did not dissipate. On the opening day of the championships, dual slalom races took place, where Dante Silva once again shone. After qualifying in third position, Silva executed an exceptional final run winning the National Championship title in the Elite Men Division by a narrow margin. His championship run placed him ahead of his competitors and awarded him the honor of wearing the USA jersey for the upcoming year.

The juniors didn’t lag behind either, with Ryder Lawrence and Luke Mallen putting on an electrifying duel in the Junior Men 17-18 division. With just hundredths of a second determining the outcome, Lawrence’s victory sparked enthusiasm in the crowd.

Continued Success

The wins continued as Sara Ligman claimed first place in the Junior Women 11-18 Division Dual Slalom as well, showcasing the extensive talent pool within the Monster Army. The achievements displayed by the team not only affirmed their training and dedication but also demonstrated their burgeoning presence in mountain biking competitions across the board.

This remarkable weekend at Big Bear proved to be a significant milestone for the Monster Army team, highlighting their quest for excellence in the sport. With numerous titles under their belts, they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mountain biking, inspiring a new generation of riders. For more information and updates on the team and their athletes, visit Monster Energy's official website.