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Bend Cyclist Chase Riggs Earns National Ranking

The 16-year-old athlete placed third in national qualifiers as he prepares to transition into professional racing.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Skiing

Expressive sports illustration of a mountain biker racing down a forested trail, capturing the kinetic motion of downhill cycling.
Sixteen-year-old cyclist Chase Riggs secured a third-place finish at the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series, bolstering his path to professional racing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bend mountain-bike racer Chase Riggs secured a third-place finish in the men's 15-16 age group at the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series. This performance bolsters his momentum as he transitions toward full-time professional competition in 2027.

Why it matters

Riggs aims to leverage his recent podium successes to attract professional cycling teams for potential contracts. Securing a spot in elite racing circuits is a critical milestone for his ambition to compete at the World Cup level.

Chase Riggs is currently ranked 3rd nationally in the men's 15-16 age group. He began his competitive career at age 10 and has committed to competing in six World Cup events throughout the 2027 season.

The players

Chase Riggs

He is a rising 16-year-old competitive mountain biker from Bend, Oregon, who is transitioning into international professional racing.

Laurel Springs School

It is an accredited online private school that enables student-athletes to manage flexible schedules through a distance-learning model.

The details

Despite sustaining injuries during a crash at the Deer Valley resort, Riggs successfully completed his qualifying runs to secure his national standing. He utilizes an online curriculum at Laurel Springs School to maintain his academic progress while traveling internationally for training and events.

Timeline

  1. March 2026: Riggs finished second at the Crankworx Rotorua Whip-Off competition.

  2. September 2026: Riggs won the men's North American Whip-Off Championships at Mont-Sainte-Anne.

  3. October 2026: Riggs competed in the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series at Deer Valley.

  4. February 6, 2027: Chase Riggs turns 17.

  5. 2027: Riggs plans to race in six World-Cup events.

Season Trajectory

Riggs's recent podium finishes position him as a top prospect for talent scouts operating within the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit. His success in both downhill and whip-off events demonstrates the versatility required to secure a professional contract in the upcoming season.

Riggs's third-place finish confirms his eligibility for higher-tier competitive brackets and validates his current training regimen. His upcoming international schedule indicates he will be unavailable for domestic local race circuits during the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Competitive athletes often manage the pressures of elite racing by balancing rigorous travel schedules with flexible academic programs. Success at the junior level remains the primary gateway for riders looking to transition into full-time professional sports careers.

What happens next

Chase Riggs will celebrate his 17th birthday on February 6, 2027, followed by a series of international races in Spain, New Zealand, and Europe scheduled through July 2027.

Further reading

Find more coverage on local mountain sports on our Skiing page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Source - Bend, Oregon.

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