The first ever Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series race took place this weekend at Ride Rock Creek in North Carolina. Series founder Clay Harper has a vision to bring back downhill mountain bike racing events on a national level, and Round 1 has proven to be a strong start. Jack Rice was at the event and met with Clay and others to give their thoughts on the weekend. Our show ends with the Pro Women’s and Men’s audio press conference.
Aletha Ostgaard was just 15 years old and won the professional women’s competition against some serious competitors! She can’t even take part in the World Cup.Dakotah Norton showed off his skills and secured the pro victory by 0.85 seconds with a time of 1:50.349. The short, fast track was dusty and dry on race day, making for a tricky, sprint-like affair. The real question: Will Mondraker conduct wind tunnel testing to see whether Dak should ride All Flow or Pony Tail on World Cup race day?Sam Kahn gives a jolt at the top.
Kailey Skelton was stuck all weekend. Until the last split she was green in the final. The last jump brought her over the edge just a few meters from the finish line. Her Instagram update states that she is injured but will be back soon. I’m glad you’re doing well!
Ryan Pinkerton had a mechanical setting device and was the first to arrive on race day. He held the hotseat for a long time and ended up taking 4th place overall.Matilda Melton flew in Category 1 17-18. She was on her way to a win until she reached the OTB on the final jump. She placed 2nd in her class, five seconds off the pace. Her last split was 1:57 compared to 1:58 for the fastest pro women!Austin Dooley shone with a 1st place and a 2nd place overall with a lead of just 0.85 seconds. #USDH looks good in 2024!Crispy had a great weekend. 5th overall, but only 2.4 seconds behind the winning time.
Lucas Dedora, 1st place Junior 17-18 Cat 1 with a time of 1:54. He would have made it into the top 10 of the pro field.What’s up, Josh Hill!Come on now! David Kahn makes shapes!Erice van Leuven came especially from New Zealand. She took a solid third place in the professional women’s class and is now heading to Europe.The beginning of something good.Neko races and plans with all sorts of ideas up her sleeve.There were rumors that Richie was doing his homework in hopes of getting his CDL.CDL as in Complete Destroyer License. He had a strong run but settled for 14th place on race day.Luca Shaw is starting to feel at home on the bike we’re not allowed to see yet. Do you think he knows what’s down there? 3rd place for the local winner.Frida Ronning made up for the poor placing with a second place in the final, just 0.5 seconds behind Aletha’s pace. Not bad for someone who had to skip school to take part in the race. A great start to the season for the UNION driver.
The crew that makes everything possible!
This guy here. Clayton Harper, the reason the Monster Pro DH series exists.You know it’s a real mountain bike race when Missy’s in the house!generations. And will it work with Ben Wilson?The only panel shot we’ll be taking on today’s show (besides the cover photo). Why? Because the runner-up is wearing a Swampfest shirt and a Coors Banquet hat. As Schroeder says, not all heroes wear capes.The future of #USDH is bright thanks to Clay, his crew and all the racers who came to send it!
Many thanks to Jack, Clay and his crew, McLure Bailey for the POV and The Great Nicolini for Vital RAW. I can’t wait for the second race in Mountain Creek, New Jersey on May 24th-26th!
