Monster Army Sweeps Podium at Solitude Downhill

Monster Army athletes delivered a commanding performance at Round 3 of the 2025 Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series presented by Continental Tires, held at Solitude Mountain Resort. With eight podium finishes across multiple divisions—including a full sweep in the Cat 1 Junior Men 17–18 category—the team once again proved its dominance in the U.S. downhill mountain biking scene.

From July 24 to 27, the high-altitude trails of Solitude Mountain, located just outside Salt Lake City, hosted the third stop of the five-round national championship series. Known for its steep descents, technical rock gardens, and high-speed berms, the course challenged even the most seasoned riders. But Monster Army athletes rose to the occasion, delivering standout performances across the board.

In the Pro Men Division, 22-year-old Dante Silva from San Diego, California, continued his strong 2025 campaign. After a third-place finish at the previous round, Silva came into Solitude with momentum. He laid down a near-perfect run, clocking the fastest times on both Split 1 and Split 2. His final time of 2:04.208earned him a well-deserved second-place finish in a tightly contested race.

The Pro Women Division saw 16-year-old Kallie Stewart from Maricopa, Arizona, secure another podium for the Monster Army. The reigning 2025 Downhill Southeast Pro Champion showed poise and speed, finishing in third place with a time of 2:28.378.

The biggest highlight of the weekend came in the Cat 1 Junior Men 17–18 Division, where Monster Army riders swept the podium in dominant fashion:

• Alex Mallen (Park City, UT) – 1st place, 2:05.766
• Ryder Lawrence (Menifee, CA) – 2nd place, 2:09.176
• Kai Burleson (Murrieta, CA) – 3rd place, 2:10.781

Mallen’s win was particularly impressive, finishing more than three seconds ahead of the next competitor on a course where margins are typically razor-thin.

In the Cat 1 Junior Women 17–18 Division, Monster Army continued its podium streak:

• Samantha Porras (Los Angeles, CA) – 2nd place, 2:30.152
• Sara Ligman – 3rd place, 2:32.804

Both riders demonstrated consistency and control on a course that challenged even the most experienced juniors.

The younger categories also brought success. In the Cat 1 Junior Men 15–16 Division, 16-year-old Connor Knipscheer from Yucaipa, California, earned second place with a time of 2:11.282, showcasing his potential as a future podium regular.

In the Cat 1 Junior Women 15–16 Division, Ainsley Wolf from Colorado rounded out the weekend with a third-place finish, clocking in at 2:41.477.

With one win and seven additional podiums, Monster Army’s performance at Solitude Mountain solidifies its reputation as a dominant force in American downhill racing. The team’s depth of talent across age groups and divisions continues to set the standard for excellence in the sport.

As the 2025 Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series enters its final stretch, all eyes turn to Round 4 at Big Bear Lake, California, from July 31 to August 3. This next stop will also serve as the USAC National Championship, raising the stakes even higher.

Stay tuned as Monster Army continues its pursuit of podiums, titles, and the future of American downhill mountain biking.