Back on the gate post-injury Kamren Larsen put himself in the Elite Main Friday over in Minnesota and just dipped out doing it again Saturday with a mishap in the semi but still a good start for the remainder of the season. Brooke Craft was also in Minnesota getting on the podium all 3 days. Next up, the the team will be out in Salt Lake in a few weeks time for the Great Salt Lake Nationals.
PC: @usabmx
Trilogy Park BMX in Pottstown, PA is the hometown track of Payton P-Nut Ridenour and also the latest stop on the USA BMX national schedule – the Stars and Stripes Nationals, July 6-8, 2018.
The weather leading up to the event was hay, hot, and humid with temperatures in the high 90s. Some downpours on Friday morning created a 3-hour delay but gave way to some much cooler temps and beautiful blue skies for perfect racing conditions. Thanks to the quick acting Trilogy crew for covering and keeping the super smooth track in prime shape.
Payton was featured on the event shirts, hats and stickers and could be seen giving out autographs and taking pictures with friends, family and fans. As for racing, Payton had the track dialed and dominated the 15-16 girls class by taking the win all 3 days. It was another awesome race weekend in the books and looking forward to what the rest of the season has to offer.
PC: Jim Pennucci
Music City BMX was rockin’ this past Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27) in Nashville, TN, for the latest stop on the USA BMX national schedule. The facility and track were in prime condition as always. As for the weather, it was HOT, HOT, HOT, but so were all the racing action.
Payton “P-Nut” Ridenour was running hot laps all 3 days in the highly competitive 15-16 Girls class. Not losing a lap all weekend, she dominated the class and added three more wins to the books.
Cam Mason put in some rippin’ laps all weekend in the 16X class and could be seen boosting the triple into the second turn. He finished up with a 7th on Saturday and a 5th on Sunday.
The summer race season is starting to heat up. Look for the Haro / U.S. Development Team to be representing at more stops along the national circuit.
Bio – Madelynn DeSantis
Age: 15
Years racing: 8 years
Local track: Sycamore BMX
Local crew you ride with?
Leyna Jones, Alijah Salas, Tayor Rungatis, Derek Phipps, Connor and Jack Eaton, Eric Rupe, Kevin Pauls, Dylan Lyons, Brock Arndt.
Sponsors?
USA Cycling, Haro, Rockstar Energy, WD40, 100 Percent, Answer Racing, Shimano, ODI, Box, Tioga, HRP Designs, Wheelbuilder.
Major wins/titles?
National #1 Girl Cruiser (2017), World 7 (2017), Roc #1 (2017), NAG #2 Class (2017), NAG #1 class (2016), Gold Cup #1 (2016), State #1 (2016), Triple at the Grands (2015) Won Class, Cruiser and Open.
How did you get into racing?
My brother started racing and we spent a lot of time at the track, so my dad got me a bike, I’ve been riding ever since then.
It’s your first year on the Haro / US Development team how are you liking it?
It’s Great! The team has opened many doors for me, I got to go down to Chula Vista and ride the SX track, I have some great teammates, coaches, sponsors and team manager.
How’s your season going?
Season is going good so far. I have 5 national wins and a handful of seconds, looking forward to moving up into the 15 – 16 Girls class.
You just doubled over in Atlanta; how did the weekend go? Do you feel like you’re in full form now or can we expect even more going in to the summer?
It was a great weekend in Atlanta, winning class and cruiser both days was awesome. I took a couple of falls racing mountain bikes this season, so I’ve been recovering from those injuries. Now, I feel I’m back at almost 100% and ready to train hard this summer then I will really be in full- form just in time for the Grands!
You’ve been easing into some SX riding this year over at Chula Vista. Any plans to race on the big hill this year?
No plans to race the big hill yet, I’m looking forward to spending some more time down in Chula Vista this summer when I’m off school. The big hill is a blast to ride, though!
You’re also involved and compete in MTB cross country. Tell us a little more about that and how you’re doing this year?
This is my first year racing mountain bikes, and it is way different than BMX. My races have been about 8 to 10 miles, and I’m still learning how to pace myself. I have had some top 10 finishes and a couple of 12th place finishes when I crashed. It’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy riding the MTB, looking forward to next season.
Who are some of the riders you look up to?
Kevin Pauls, Mike Day, Jill Kintner, Ashley Verhagen,
Favorite track?
I really like Lemoore BMX, I spent a lot of time there training for the Worlds, it has the big start hill and super fast turns.
PC: Justin Kosman
Big turn out for the Team over the weekend in Atlanta at the Dixieland Nationals, recognized as one of the best stops on the USA BMX Tour with a top-notch facility and friendly atmosphere from Margie Hatfield and her crew at Cobb County BMX.
Kamren Larson continued his great form coming away from the weekend with a 1st and 2nd and another nice deposit to take to the bank for his weekend’s work.
Both Noah Ramos and Cam Mason in 16x had a consistent weekend making the mains both days and with best finishes of 4th each.
Our girls were on a mission this weekend. Birthday girl Brooke Craft doubled Saturday, then upped an age on Sunday and came in a respectable 3rd place.
Payton Ridenour had a few problems on the gate Saturday during the main but was on a mission Sunday taking the win from the start and never looking back.
Madelynn DeSantis dominated all weekend long on both the 20 and 24 doubling both days and adding more points in the bank for the year-end title chase on both bikes.
In all, a great weekend for our team. Kamren Larsen now heads out to Europe for the next 2 rounds of the World Cup, with our team riders on the west coast heading out to Lake Perris for the Tangent Pro Am next weekend.
As always, big thank you to all out team sponsors for keeping this team rolling.
USA Cycling, Haro Bikes, Rockstar Energy, Dale Holmes Racing, wd40Bike, Barona Casino, ride100percent, Answer Racing, Shimano, ODIGrips, Box Components, Tioga, HRP Designs, Wheelbuilder.com.
PC: USA BMX
PC: Justin Kosman
Age / Where do you live?
I am 15 years young and I live in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
Years Racing?
My dad introduced me to racing when I was little and I have been doing it ever since, which has been about ten years.
Sponsors?
USA Cycling | Haro Bikes | Rockstar Energy Drink | Dale Holmes Racing | WD 40 Bike | 100% | Answer Racing | Shimano | ODI Grips | Box | Tioga | HRP Designs | Wheel Builder
2017 was your first year on the US Development Team how did it go?
My first year on the U.S. Development Team was amazing! I had so many awesome opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t on the team. I got to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, start a structured training schedule, and hit a lot more nationals.
PC: Justin Kosman
Being young and it being your first year in a structured team environment, what were some of the benefits you liked?
One of the benefits I like about the team is having the coolest coach, Arielle Martin-Verhaaren. From her I gain tons of knowledge whether it’s about racing, training, nutrition, recovery, etc.
We’re already into the 2018 season, how’s that going so far?
So far, the 2018 season is going really well. I have already been out to Chula Vista once for some training, won my first national in Louisville, Kentucky, and raced my first ever supercross open. It’s awesome that I have gotten to go to three nationals this early in the season, because there are still no tracks open where I live with all of the winter weather.
What are your goals for the season?
My goals for the 2018 season are to get National #1 Amateur Girl and to take advantage of all of the opportunities my team gives me.
Your mom and dad are key elements, to your race program. What are some of the benefits of having a family with the same passion for riding bikes as you?
My mom and dad play a huge role in my racing and training. At the races they keep me hydrated and eating well as well as video my laps. And during training both my mom and my dad will do sprints with me and always encourage me to be my best.
PC: Joey Cobbs
Who’s in your crew at the races?
At the races my crew is my coach Arielle, my mom, my dad, the infamous Dale Holmes, the U.S. Development Team, and some of the girls that I race with.
You also ride the Skateparks, trails and in fact have a backyard pump track and ride mtb – do you think being into all aspects in riding helps?
I think being into all aspects of riding helps so much with BMX! Trails, skateparks, and the pumptrack in my backyard help me with my technical skills. And MTB riding helps me with the endurance and strength aspects of racing.
Any thoughts on doing more MTB or even competing in Park?
Ha, definitely a no on competing in park. I can do some tricks on my trampoline bike but when I tried to take my tricks to an actual jump it didn’t go as smoothly. But, I have been getting into some more MTB stuff like dual slalom and cross country which I really enjoy.
PC: Justin Kosman
You raced your first SX race in Oldsmar last month how was that?
My first SX open race in Oldsmar, Florida was a blast! I had so much fun and loved experiencing a different aspect of the traditional racing. I am looking forward to doing a few more SX races this season.
What are your favorite tracks?
My all-time favorite tracks are the outdoor in Louisville, Kentucky and South Park, Pennsylvania because they’re downhill and super flowy. I also really liked the Grands track last year with how peaky and tight all of the jumps were.
Toughest competitors?
15-16 girls is a super competitive class, but I think that one of my biggest competitors is myself. Sometimes, I just need to believe in myself more to do my best.
PC: Joey Cobbs
Best part about racing?
I think that the best part about racing are the rewards that you get after working so hard to achieve your goals.
Long-term goals?
My long-term goals are to go to the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and bring home a medal.
Perfect weekend up in Oregon for Madelynn DeSantis at the Great North West Nationals winning Open & Class both days. Madelynn continues a great start to the year with the team as we move into the summer. She’s not just on a BMX but also ripping it up on the Mountain bike as well racing XC over in So-Cal.
PC: Tangent Products
Big props to our Kamren Larsen finishing up his first weekend on the International front in Paris at the first World Cup of the year. Kamren made his first trip with Team USA overseas and did himself and all of us proud. He put in some solid laps over the weekend with lots of experience now in the bag racing the best guys in the World. Lots to build on moving forward.
It’s been cold, and at times, wet conditions for the Carolina Nationals in Rock Hill over the weekend. The team headed out to South Carolina, host of last year’s UCI World Championships, for the next stop on the USA BMX National Tour.
Kamren Larsen was looking to continue his good start to his Pro career in Rock Hill grabbing the Hole Shot Award during Friday’s A Pro Final but a little mistake on the second straight cost him to drop back a few positions to 5th place. He came back strong on Saturday and took the win along with the cash in the bank for his trouble. Kamren now heads straight out to Paris for the first round of the UCI World Cup next weekend and a chance to gain some experience on the International front.
Payton Ridenour continues to ease into SX on the Big Hill racing Friday’s SX Open and hitting the podium with a good 2nd place. P-Nut also made it into the main events both Saturday and Sunday on the regular track with her best place finishing Sunday with a 2nd.
Brooke Craft made her first trip out East with the team and came out swinging winning Saturday’s main event in her class.
Cam Mason was on his home turf this weekend, as Rock Hill is his local track. Cam rode solid all weekend placing 4th in the SX Open backing it up with a 2nd place in 16 x on Saturday and was back in the main on Sunday.
In all, a great weekend for the team, next up on the domestic front will be the Dixieland Nationals April 20-22 in Atlanta.
PC: USA BMX
PC: Justin Kosman
Age / class / years racing?
16yrs old and I race 16 expert. I have been racing for 11 years.
I started when I was 6yrs old. My parents bought me a freestyle DK for Christmas and ramps and it was just natural for me. My Dad who is from Scotland, raced there when he was younger and he said let’s find the local BMX track, which was southern Maryland BMX. Shortly thereafter, I started racing for a local bike shop called Mikes bikes. Ever since BMX has been my passion.
Live / local track?
I live in Huntersville, NC and my local track is the Novant Health BMX Supercross track in Rockhill, SC. I moved here 3 ½ years ago from Maryland for the Rockhill track.
Team / Sponsors?
Haro / US Development Team, USA Cycling, Haro, Rockstar Energy, Dale Holmes Racing, WD 40 Bike, 100% Bike, Answer Racing, Shimano BMX, ODI Grips, Box, Tioga, HRP designs, Wheelbuilder.com
PC: Justin Kosman
How is the start of the season going for you?
The 2018 season has started off pretty good. I have gotten into most mains that I would normally not make this time of year due to just aging up. I’m definitely bummed that I didn’t make the junior men team for this year but I definitely have my eye on 2019 for junior men.
What kinds of racing do you like – the traditional track or SX?
SX is my passion because I love to jump and go fast! I do still enjoy traditional racing, I love all racing and have even done some mountain bike racing. I really like the adrenalin and competition.
Name a few of your favorite tracks in the US?
My all time favorite is South Park in Pittsburg, PA. I love this track because it’s downhill and one of the fastest tracks I have ever ridden. I was the youngest to jump the pro set at 11yrs old with the help of Justin Posey. Louisville, Kentucky is my 2nd favorite track. I really like their pro set Oldsmar, Florida is also a favorite because it’s technical.
You just spent a few weeks out West with your team riding Chula Vista on the big tracks and trails, how was the trip?
My trip was amazing! I love riding the tracks out there, and the photo shoots were pretty sick. The facility is so awesome I could live there! It was such a great opportunity to be on the big hill with the pros and training in the gym with them.
Who are some of the riders you look up to and why?
Conner Fields and Corben Sharrah…
Conner because his laps are always perfect and he is consistent.
Corben because of his skill and style on the bike.
Also Justin Posey because he has influenced me in my riding and he’s gotten me to try new things over the years and helps me feel like I can accomplish anything.
PC: Justin Kosman
How are things on the US Development Team with Team USA and your new Coach, Arielle Verhaaren?
Things are awesome on the team! I’m excited to be riding for Team USA. It’s a dream come true! Arielle is great I feel she is going to get me where I want to be and has my best interest at heart. Her workouts are tough and I like that because I can already see my body and mind changing.
Who are some of the riders you like to ride with back home?
I ride with Cole Tesar, Brady Kincheloe and KJ Romero and right now, Alfredo Campo is here and will be here for next 5 months – he really helps me out a lot and it’s awesome to get to ride with an Olympian every day. Cole Tesar was my coach for the past 4yrs until getting on the US Development team. Cole has been a huge part of my life from a coach to a best friend and has helped me develop into the rider I am today. I love riding wit KJ because he always keeps it fun and has a smile on his face no matter if he gets 1st or last.
PC: Joey Cobbs
What are your goals for the remainder of the year?
My goals are to get stronger and have more confidence in myself and to always keep it fun. And, to be in the top 5 Nag Riders.
What are your long-term goals?
To make junior men for 2019 and to one day make the Olympic team and WIN!!
