(Photo courtesy of BEA)
The Bend Endurance Academy (BEA) Race Team showcased excellent performances this July and August, traveling from the Pacific Northwest to two premier downhill mountain biking events. Taking on new courses, unfamiliar conditions, and the country’s top riders, the team delivered impressive results while gaining valuable experience for future goals.
The journey began at Solitude Resort, Utah, for the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series, before heading directly to Big Bear, California, for the USA Cycling Downhill National Championships. Both events drew elite riders from across the nation, challenging athletes to test their speed, skill, and grit on some of the most demanding courses in the sport.
Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series – Round 3
Solitude Resort, Utah
Cat 2 Boys 13–14 | 4th Teague Lester
Cat 2 Youth Men 15–16 | 3rd Eli Grass | 5th Harper Molan | 10th Layne Hawbecker | 33rd Wade Arnold
Cat 1 Youth Men 15–16 | 33rd Emile Chabu
Cat 1 Men Junior 17–18 | 46th Ian van Kriedt
Cat 1 Men 19–29 | 1st Conor Munns
Pro Men | 38th Wyatt Parsons
Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series – Round 4 & USA Cycling Nationals
Big Bear, California
Cat 2 Boys 13–14 | 2nd Teague Lester
Cat 2 Youth Men 15–16 | 3rd Eli Grass | 6th Harper Molan | 7th Layne Hawbecker | 13th Wade Arnold
Cat 1 Youth Men 15–16 – National Championship | 33rd Emile Chabu
Cat 1 Men Junior 17–18 – National Championship | 49th Ian van Kriedt
Cat 1 Men 24–29 – National Championship | 1st Conor Munns (BEA Program Director, Coach)
Elite Men – National Championship | 99th Wyatt Parsons
These impressive results for the BEA Race Team come on the heels of a successful USA Climbing National Championships for the BEA Climbing Team, where athlete Nathaniel Peruillo secured a first place finish in Bouldering and fourth place in Lead. Earlier this month, Nathaniel also represented the United States on the world stage in Helsinki, Finland. “We’ve been working toward building a team that can perform not just at home, but on the national stage,” said Conor Munns, BEA Mountain Biking program director and head coach. “These results prove that our athletes are embracing the challenge, putting in the work, and setting their sights on even bigger goals.”
Fall Enrollment Now Open
Registration is currently open for BEA’s fall Mountain Biking and Climbing programs, offering skill development, competition opportunities, and a strong community for youth athletes in Central Oregon. Visit bendenduranceacademy.org to explore programs for all ages, skill levels, and goals. Reach out with any questions for personalized support.
About Bend Endurance Academy:
Bend Endurance Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Bend, offering inclusive and high-quality youth programs in climbing, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing. Serving over 1,000 athletes annually, BEA fosters personal growth, athletic development, and a lifelong connection to endurance sports.
