NW Cup 2026: Round 2 Port Angeles, WA

Words and photos by Patrik Zuest

After a weekend that started with mixed weather and uncertain forecasts, the Olympic Peninsula did what it does best and delivered an incredible Sunday full of sunshine, fast dirt, and close racing. Riders were treated to a little bit of everything throughout the weekend, from slick roots and changing conditions early on to classic Dry Hill speed by the time finals rolled around.

And if the racing wasn’t enough, the pits were buzzing all weekend with plenty to check out — including a new, possibly long travel bike, shown by Evil Bikes, giving racers and spectators something extra to crowd around between laps.

By Sunday afternoon, the clouds were gone, the sun was out, and riders were gathered around the finish corral swapping stories, checking times, and already talking about the next stop on the calendar. Dry Hill once again reminded everyone why it’s the heart of the NW Cup.

With another massive turnout and stacked classes across the board, the racing stayed tight from top to bottom. In the Pro Women’s field, it was Taylor Ostgaard taking the win after another smooth and composed performance on Dry Hill’s demanding terrain. On the Pro Men’s side, Benny de Vall continued his strong start to the season with a fast and aggressive run that earned him the top step of the podium.

The junior Cat 1 classes once again proved just how deep the talent pool is in the PNW. The Junior categories were absolutely stacked, with riders pushing the pace all weekend and showing speed well beyond their years. Every season the level keeps climbing, and this weekend was another reminder that the future of Northwest downhill racing is looking incredibly strong.

And now, attention turns to one of the highlights of the summer: the start of the annual NW Cup Road Trip next month, kicking things off at Tamarack Resort in Idaho before heading north toward Whitefish. Vans will be packed, playlists queued up, and the long haul summer tradition will officially begin once again.

Full Results available HERE

We can't wait to see you at Round 3 in Tamarack, Idaho!!