Name Ryan Pinkerton

Age 21 Years

Nationality USA

Discipline Downhill

Awards

1º UCI MTB WORLD CUP Junior - 2023 Junior Downhill World Cup overall champion

1º UCI MTB WORLD CUP Junior - 2023 Vallnord Pal Arinsal

1º UCI MTB WORLD CUP Junior - 2023 Loudenvielle-Peyragudes

1º UCI MTB WORLD CUP Junior - 2023 Les Portes du Soleil

1º UCI MTB WORLD CUP Junior - 2023 Snow Shoe

2º UCI MTB WORLD CUP Junior - 2023 Val di Sole

x4 time U.S. National champion

HISTORY AND MOTIVATION:

How did you get started in the downhill world?

I started riding downhill when I was 11 and I used to race cross country, but I loved downhill. My dad paid half and I paid half for an Intense 951, but I couldn’t ride it until Christmas. On Christmas Day, I rode the bike for them first time and I that was when I knew I wanted to race downhill.

When did you start racing?

I started racing downhill when I was 11 years old.

TRAINING AND PREPARATION:

What’s your training routine to prepare for downhill competitions?

I have a training program with Brian Lopes and we do some bike rides which include road bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes; then we do 2 gym sessions a week, and 1 or 2 days on my downhill bike. During my training, I like to focus on improving on my downhill bike to be a better rider.

CHALLENGES:

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career has been not being confident in myself. This last year I knew I’d put the work in during the off season and I could win, but I just couldn’t make it happen. After I won in Andorra for the first time, I gained confidence in myself and I started to succeed after that.

TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES:

How do you mentally approach a big competition?

I like to tell myself that I can win because that helps me stay confident and allows me to go fast.

PLACES TO PRACTICE DOWNHILL:

What’s your favorite place to practice downhill and why?

My favorite downhill trail is my local trail, Crestline, California because it’s a really hard trail that’s fast, but it’s really fun and challenges me in many ways at the same time. It just offers a lot that can help me with my skills.

INFLUENCES:

Is there a downhill racer or athlete you admire who has influenced your style or your career?

I’ve always admired Brian Lopes. He’s a very smooth rider and he’s helped me with my style a lot. One of the reasons where I am today is because of him.

ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS:

For those starting out in downhill, do you have any key tips or recommendations?

I recommend that you learn from others and have fun because that’s what will help you succeed.

CAREERS AND GOALS:

What are your goals and aspirations for the future in downhill?

My goals for the future in downhill are to be a World Cup overall champion and be a World Champion. I’ve always had these goals and I’m going to try my hardest to achieve them.

Are there any specific races you have in mind that you would like to win?

There aren’t any specific races that I’d like to win, but I’m going to try my hardest to win or do my best at every one of them.

Dates

Race Calendar 2025

Date	Race	Location
16 - 18 May	World Cup	Bielsko Biala
30 May - 01 June	World Cup	Loudenvielle
05 - 08 June	World Cup	Leogang
20 - 22 June	World Cup	Val di Sole
03 - 06 July	World Cup	La Thuile
09 - 13 July	World Cup	Pal Arinsal
21 - 31 August	World Cup	Les Gets
04 - 07 September	UCI Mountain Bike World Championships	Crans-Montana
18 - 21 September	World Cup	Lenzerheide
03 - 05 October	World Cup	Lake Placid
09 - 12 October	World Cup	Mont-Saint-Anne