Blog Post

NW Cup 2025 Finals: Stevens Pass, WA 3

And just like that… the 2025 NW Cup Downhill Series has come to a close.

All great things must eventually wrap up, and this season’s finale at Stevens Pass Bike Park couldn’t have been a more fitting send-off — even if Mother Nature tried to throw us a curveball.

- Words and photos by Patrik Zuest

Things got off to a smoky start on Friday, with poor air quality forcing the cancellation of practice for the day. But in true NW Cup fashion, the community adapted and stayed positive. By Saturday morning, the smoke had cleared, and riders were treated to blue skies, cooler temps, and a full day of practice. Thanks to the event’s private high-speed quad, everyone still managed to get more than enough laps in, despite the delayed start.

As night fell, the mountain put on a show of its own — thunder, lightning, and just enough rain to turn the course into absolute gold for Sunday’s finals. Hero dirt, cooler air, and a freshly tuned track made for what many called the best race conditions of the year.

Add to that a warm welcome back from the Stevens Pass crew — their first time hosting the series in several years — and the stage was set for a weekend to remember.

When the racing wrapped up, it was Sydney Haberman and Alden Pate taking the top spots in the Pro Women’s and Men’s fields, after a day of tight, competitive racing. In the junior categories, Chase Riggs, Alyana Van Horn, and Ryder Grissom capped off their seasons with standout wins, showing just how strong the next generation of racers is in the PNW.

With the final podiums handed out and bikes packed away, it’s time to reflect on what has been an incredible season of racing, community, and growth. Huge thanks to all the riders, families, volunteers, sponsors, and venues who helped make the 2025 NW Cup what it was.

See you all in 2026. Until then — keep riding, keep racing, and keep the NW Cup spirit alive.

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Kaylin Hammer taking the win in Cat 3 10u Women..
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Dexter Goodman understanding how to float on his way to 6th in Cat 2 12u Men.
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Ryan Clairbone loving the Rock Crusher jumps headed to 7th in Cat 3 15-18.
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The Sandoval working all the lines on Slingshot Wookie to take 5th in Cat 3 8-10.
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Sydney Haberman taking the win in Pro Women.
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Ridley Smith had no problem charging into the Wookie rock garden.
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Henley Gilbert sending it to 6th in the hotly contested Cat 2 15-16.
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Leah Macartney was charging in practice but had an unfortunate mechanical in her race run. Still taking the overall for the season.
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Damian Comeau was looking fast in practice for Cat 1 16u.
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Taylor Dunn floating through the Beserker chute.
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Don't forget to thank this guy for all his RAWs through the season! (Matt Orlando)
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Gatlin Coontz wasn't having any issues with the fog on race day. pinned through lower Piranha Bird.
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Niko Langland was on a tear all weekend. 2nd in Cat 2 12u.
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Alden Pate with the gap of the weekend taking the win in Pro Men.
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Mateo Reiman with a solid 8th in Cat 16u.
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Dylan Brown is always a threat in the Pro Class. 3rd on the day.
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The team trophy is a site to behold.  Kat Sweet's Sweetlines racing taking it home for the year!
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Some dialed overall trophies for the year.
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Stephen Darcy doing double duty. Coaching cat 3 riderrs, and getting 2nd in Cat 1 30-39.
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Elo Klein absolutely floating through the Wookie rocks.
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Joey Merkin taking the win in Cat 3 19-39.
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Roan Johnson with eyes on the prize.
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Wood Skinner charging to 10th on the day.
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Jarek Zecher floating the roots.
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Austin Hemperley back on the podium, 5h in Pro Men.
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Alyana Van Horn taking the win in Cat 1 18u after coming back from injury.
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Adrian Nache 2nd in Cat 3 8-10.
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Greysen Thweatt taking the most creative line of the day in Cat 2 19-29. Earning him a 6th place finish.
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Don Brockett taking the win in Cat 1 40-49.
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Declan Ervin — a young rider whose presence left a lasting impact on everyone around him. Declan was more than just a talented athlete; he was humble, kind, and grounded — someone who led by example and let his riding speak louder than words. His quiet determination, respect for others, and love for the sport continue to inspire us all.

The Declan Ervin Memorial Award is presented annually to riders who embody those same values — character, humility, progression, and heart. This year, we are proud to recognize Leah McCartney and Payden Saliotte as the 2025 recipients. Both have shown not only dedication to improving their craft, but a consistent display of the integrity and sportsmanship that defined Declan.

Leah and Payden now join a long list of riders whose presence on and off the bike uplifts the NW Cup family — a testament to the ongoing impact Declan has on this community.

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This year Transition Bikes stepped up with the Yout Spirit Award. This award goes to the young rider whose stoke and energy for racing is brilliant contagious and keeps us all excited to be at the races, both young and old. As an Organizer it doesn't get much better that to see this, and see it spread through the NW Cup Family. 

Thanks to Transition and their Youth line of bikes, Kaiden Silva will now have a new ride of his choice (I hear he chose the Ripcord!) to continue his NW Cup charge!

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Just a small amount of the NW Cup Family enjoying the weekend!
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Braden Delzer was hot lapping all weekend.
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Cat 1 Men 16u Podium: 1. Chase Riggs 2. Kiger Holmer 3. Jake Stegall 4. Elliott Dishman 5. Kyan Macleod
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Cat 1 Women 18u Podium: 1. Alyana Van Horn 2. Allie Ward 3. Jade Savage 4. Cleo Brown 5. Josephine Aubin
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Cat 1 Men 17-18 Podium: 1. Ryder Grissom 2. Brody Clark 3. Nicholas Crimmins 4. Kenai Rowan 5. Eliot Bravard
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Pro Women's Podium: 1. Sydney Haberman 2. Beky Nichols 3. Michelle Macartney
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Pro Men's Podium: 1. Alden Pate 2. Alexander Blanar 3. Dylan Brown 4. Isaac Paulson 5. Austin Hemperley

 

We can't wait to see you again next year!

NW Cup Finals Results

NW Cup Overall Standings

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