Press & Media
Everything you need to cover the Mountain States Cup.
The Rockies' Only Sanctioned Gravity Series
Mountain States Cup brings multi-day race weekends to premier Western resorts — riders, families, and a built-in audience for your mountain.
Who's Behind It
Shawn Neer has been racing in the Rockies since he was ten years old. Over a 25-year career, he represented the United States at the Downhill World Championships in 2009 and 2016, raced professionally for over a decade with Yeti Cycles and Fox Factory, then transitioned to enduro and earned a UCI Gold Medal at the 2019 Trophy of Nations in Finale Ligure, Italy — alongside teammates Richie Rude and Cody Kelley, a fellow Mountain States Cup alumni.
Mountain States Cup isn't new. It's the series where Shawn raced his first race as a beginner — all he had to do was show up in his backyard. That pathway took him from local kid to World Championships selectee.
When sanctioned gravity racing disappeared from the Rockies, so did the pipeline. Talented kids in Colorado started talking with their families about moving to Tennessee to build a career—because this region was stripped of sanctioned racing and legitimacy. That's the problem MSC solves.
The 2030 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships are coming to Colorado — the first time Worlds has been in America in over 30 years. Shawn is rebuilding Mountain States Cup to make sure the Rockies are ready. The best terrain in North America deserves the infrastructure to match — just like it had when he was growing up here.
The Iconic Championship
in The Rockies is Back.
Women's Buddy System
Right now women make up only 9 to 14% of downhill fields. Not just in the US — globally. That number is what led MSC to launch the Women's Buddy System.
How it works: If you know a woman who has never raced MSC before, you can bring her for free. Her entry is on us. She can enter any category except Pro.
When you register for a race, there's a button to click if you want to bring someone. Follow the instructions and we'll send over a coupon code to share. You can bring one woman per race — and you're automatically entered into a Fox fork raffle just for doing it, whether you're a man or a woman.
I've been the only woman in my category and it takes away everything. The competitiveness, the meaning of your result — it just kind of feels pointless. A race is not cheap and if you aren't sure about it, it's a big step to take. The MSC is here for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an elite getting to the World Cup level. — Julia, MSC Women's Initiative
We want women at the start line feeling eager to win. We want everybody to have people to race against. We're excited to be a race series that builds careers. We will be screaming at that screen when we see her racing at the World Cup level knowing she started at the MSC.
2026, Year One
- 575 racers entered from 23 states, ages 8 to 69.
- America’s only downhill series with its own live broadcast.
- Champions: Nikolas Nestoroff (Pro Men), Adia Annibella (Pro Women).
- In the press: Pinkbike on women’s racing, Round 3 and Round 4.
Media Assets
Tagging Guide
Resort accounts: @angelfire_bikepark · @solitudemountain · @grandtargheeresort · @skipurg
Series: @mountainstatescup
Always tag the host resort on any post about their round. Tag athletes when featured — they will reshare.
Legacy Is Earned, Not Invented
Legends raced the series.
Aaron Gwin
From regional powerhouse to world-cup legend.
MSC competitor. 5-time World Cup champion.
Melissa Buhl
Gravity pioneer in U.S. women's racing.
MSC competitor. World Champion in 4x & DH.
Mitch Ropelato
Your favorite rider’s favorite rider.
MSC competitor. From Ogden to World Cup, World Champs, Crankworx.“Colorado always felt like my home away from home. The MSC courses had a style of courses that were more raw and natural along with the epic scenery that is pretty much unmatched anywhere in the world. So many great memories and friendships made in a highly competitive and friendly supportive atmosphere, ideal for any competitor from beginner through to the pros. No egos, no drama, just good times and lots of laughs.”
