Flowing Ahead: A River of Success in the Competitive Landscape

Seventeen-year-old mountain biker River Valdez from Sedona earned notable recognition over the summer, securing a third-place finish at the 2024 USA Cycling Cross-Country Mountain Bike National Championships held at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania. He also placed 16th at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning career.

Describing the significance of the Union Cycliste Internationale, Valdez noted, “They have their point system and hold the world and continental championships.” This organization essentially paves the way for aspiring professional cyclists.

Valdez recently announced a partnership with the Orange Seal Academy and the Bear National Team for the upcoming 2025 cross-country season. The academy is dedicated to supporting elite cyclists, having previously aided athletes like Savilia Blunk and Kelsey Urban.

This year is crucial for Valdez as he eyes the U23 age bracket for riders aged 19 to 22. He expressed, “If I can do really well this year, it might indicate how far I can go,” while also planning to enroll in college in the fall.

In December, Valdez welcomed a new coach, Dennis Van Winden, a former professional racer known for his experience with Jumbo Visma and multiple Grand Tours. Valdez remarked, “In just a short time, I’ve improved my power and confidence. Dennis sees the athlete as a whole, which is an excellent approach.”

His upcoming competition schedule includes significant events such as the U.S. Pro Cup No. 1 in March at Vail Lake Resort, followed by another Pro Cup in Fayetteville, Ark. He will also compete in the Continental Championship in Costa Rica, the American National Championship in Virginia, and the World Championship in Valais, Switzerland, set for late summer.

Feeling both excitement and nerves, Valdez shared his thoughts on the prestigious UCI World Championship in Switzerland. “That race draws major teams, and there’s a lot of pressure,” he said, acknowledging its importance in evaluating his standing in global competition.

During the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Andorra, Valdez distinguished himself as the top first-year junior competitor.

Looking ahead, he plans to attend Arizona State University this fall as a pre-veterinary medicine student, potentially sharing an apartment with his sister, who is pursuing a psychology degree at the same university. Valdez has been balancing online schooling via ASU Digital Prep while managing his cycling commitments.

“It’s been challenging, but I’ve learned to manage my academics alongside my travel. In 2025, I hope to leverage what I’ve learned to achieve strong results ahead of the next level of competition,” he added.