NW Cup 2026: Round 5 Silver Mtn, ID

Silver Mountain once again delivered an unforgettable weekend of NW Cup racing.

Returning to Kellogg, Idaho, racers were welcomed by one of the most unique stops on the calendar. Silver Mountain has a reputation for rewarding commitment while punishing mistakes, with its mix of high-speed sections, technical corners, loose rock, and rough terrain. It challenged riders all weekend long, and with another great turnout, it made for an outstanding stop in the 2026 NW Cup season.

When finals rolled around, there was no shortage of storylines.

The biggest came in the Pro Men's field, where Woodruff Skinner put together the weekend of his career. After claiming the top qualifying spot on Saturday, he backed it up with another blistering run on Sunday to complete the perfect 1-and-1 weekend and earn his first-ever NW Cup Pro victory—a milestone every racer dreams about.

The Pro Women's race became a family affair. Ella Erickson continued her impressive season by taking the win, while sister Micah Erickson finished second to give the Erickson family a memorable 1–2 finish in the Pro category. As if that wasn't enough, their mother, Jenn Erickson, added another trophy to the family collection by taking the victory in Cat 1 Women 40+, making it a weekend the Ericksons won't soon forget.

The next generation was equally impressive. In Cat 1 Women 18U, Macy Hammer not only won her class but also posted the fastest female time of the entire day, proving once again just how much young talent is coming through the Northwest downhill scene.

One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend came in the Cat 1 Men 17–18 category, where Cam Ratkoviak rode to an impressive victory. At the same time, his father, Andrew Ratkoviak, battled his way to third place in the competitive Cat 1 Men 40–49 class. It marked the first time the two had shared a podium since Andrew's injury, making it one of those moments that reminds everyone what the NW Cup is really about—family, perseverance, and celebrating the journey together.

Of course, it wouldn't be Silver Mountain without a little carnage. The rough, rocky track claimed more than a few wheels throughout the weekend, keeping mechanics busy and riders searching for spare parts between runs. Sometimes simply making it to the finish line felt like a victory in itself.

Off the course, one of the biggest laughs of the weekend came during the raffle. Brandon Ruth claimed victory in the now-famous XXL glove competition, only to discover that the supposedly XXL gloves were somehow too small... even for him. Whether they were mislabeled or made for a very different definition of "extra extra large," nobody could quite figure out, but it gave everyone around the finish area a good laugh.

With another fantastic weekend complete, the series now turns its attention to new ground. Next up is Mt. Bachelor, making its first-ever appearance on the NW Cup calendar. A brand-new venue means fresh trails, new challenges, and another opportunity to make a little NW Cup history. We can't wait to see everyone there.