In a stunning display of skill and speed, the Monster Energy Mountain Bike Team dazzled the crowd at the inaugural Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series in Zirconia, North Carolina, walking away with several podium finishes across various divisions. The event, which marks the beginning of the 2024 downhill mountain biking season, saw fierce competition as 375 athletes converged at Ride Rock Creek Bike Park from April 5-7.

Among the highlights, Monster Army rider Austin Dooley from Riverside, California, secured a remarkable second place in the Pro Men’s Division. The 21-year-old sensation clocked a near-victorious time of 1:51.205 on the demanding track, a mere fraction of a second behind the winner. Reflecting on the event, Dooley expressed his satisfaction with the challenging field and the impeccable condition of the course throughout the weekend. His podium finish alongside competitors of high calibre speaks volumes about his outstanding performance and potential for the season ahead.

Not to be outdone, 27-year-old Monster Energy team rider Luca Shaw from Hendersonville, North Carolina, clinched third place, finishing with an impressive time of 1:51.511. Shaw’s enthusiasm for the competition and the new series was palpable. “It’s good to have great competition and a good track! These early-season races are crucial for getting the speed up, and it was a super fun event!” Shaw remarked, hinting at an exciting season ahead for the newly inaugurated series.

The Pro Women’s Division also witnessed a standout performance, with 19-year-old Monster Army rider Erice Van Leuven from New Zealand taking third place. Van Leuven, demonstrating her prowess on the challenging course, finished with a commendable time of 2:13.000.

Adding to Monster Energy’s success, the Cat 1 Junior Men 17-18 Division saw a complete podium sweep by Monster Army team riders, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. Lucas Dedora from New York State led the pack, securing first place with a time of 1:54.024. He was closely followed by Gavin Tomlinson from Burbank, California, and Ryder Lawrence from Menifee, California, who finished second and third, respectively, rounding off an exemplary performance by the team’s younger members.

The Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series promises to be a pivotal platform for both professional and amateur-level downhill mountain bike racing in the United States. As the Official USA Cycling National Downhill Series, it offers a unique opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage. The series continues with its next round slated for May 24-26 at Mountain Creek Bike Park in New Jersey, promising more exhilarating races and potential for the Monster Energy Mountain Bike Team to shine.

In parallel, the Monster Energy Team celebrated another victory at the French Cup DH Des Roches in Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges, France, where team rider Camille Balanche from Switzerland triumphed in the Elite Women Downhill race. This victory, her first pre-season race since sustaining an injury last year, heralds a triumphant return for Balanche and sets a high bar for the team’s performance in upcoming competitions.

As the season progresses, the Monster Energy Mountain Bike Team’s early successes in North Carolina and beyond certainly position them as ones to watch in the competitive landscape of downhill mountain biking.