Juniors Battle in Cross-Country Olympic Races at the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships

The juniors kicked off the first day of Cross-Country Olympic racing at the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. After a week of mixed weather, the course had finally dried out, setting the stage for fast, technical racing.

Elisabeth Knight (Moab, Utah; Rouleur Devo), Landrie McLain (Bella Vista, Ark.; Bear National Team), and Ingrid McElroy(Danville, Pa.; Bear National Team) lined up for Team USA in the Junior Women’s race. All three opened strong, riding within the top 15 in a large pack. At the front, Maruša Tereza Šerkezi (SLO) and Anja Grossman (SUI) set a blistering pace, while the American trio battled together just behind.

McElroy led the charge early for Team USA before a crash set her back. Knight found her rhythm on lap three, clocking her fastest time as she moved up through the group, while McLain looked smooth and confident through the technical features. In the end, Team USA closed out with Knight in 26th, McLain in 30th, and McElroy in 32nd.

1. Maruša Tereza Šerkezi (SLO) 1:01.27

2. Anja Grossman (SUI) +1:13

3. Barbora Bukovska (CZE) +2:50

26. Elisabeth Knight (USA) +8:31

30. Landrie McLain (USA) +9:23

32. Ingrid McElroy (USA) +10:26

Four men represented the United States in the junior race this afternoon in Crans-Montana: River Valdez (Sedona, Ariz.; Bear National Team), Rowan Nistal (Boise, Idaho; Bear National Team), Kian Reid (Wenatchee, Wash.; Bear National Team), and Benjamin Bravman (Golden, Colo.; Bear National Team). 

The race went out fast, with a group of four establishing early on. Bravman and Valdez delivered strong starts that put them inside the top 20 through the opening laps. Unfortunately, Bravman suffered a flat that blew the tire off and broke his rim, pushing him to the back of the 85-rider field. He fought his way back to finish 52nd. Nistal rode a steady race, powering up the climbs to secure 43rd, while Reid battled in a group all the way to the line, finishing 56th.

1. Lucas Teste (FRA) – 1:14

2. Roger Suren (NAU) – +0:11

3. Lewin Iten (SUI) – +0:31

21. River Valdez (USA) – +4:48

43. Rowan Nistal (USA) – +7:18

52. Benjamin Bravman (USA) – +9:04

56. Kian Reid (USA) – +9:52

USA Cycling’s participation in the World Championships is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. To support the USA Cycling National Team, members can donate to the USA Cycling Foundation here. Our supporting partners who have a shared mission to elevate the sport of cycling include, HOVERAir, Visit Bentonville, and Visit Arkansas.