Big Bear Lake, CA – This past weekend marked a major milestone in the 2025 mountain bike racing season as the U.S. National Downhill Championships and Round 4 of the Pro Downhill National Series fired off in the iconic high-altitude terrain of Big Bear Lake, nestled deep in the San Bernardino Mountains. The nation’s best downhill and slalom racers gathered to compete for national titles and valuable series points, with KHS Pro MTB once again making a powerful statement on the national stage.
The event kicked off with the Dual Slalom National Championship, and the team came out swinging. Isabella Naughton delivered a phenomenal performance, racing clean and fast through the tight, dusty switchbacks to claim the Women’s Pro National Dual Slalom Title. Teammate MacKenna Merten followed closely behind, earning an impressive Silver Medal and helping lock down a 1-2 sweep of the women’s podium for KHS — a dominant showing that highlighted the team’s technical strength and competitive drive.
In the downhill events, the race weekend saw its challenges. Pro Men’s athlete Shane Leslie was forced to withdraw after sustaining a mild concussion during practice. While his absence was felt, his health remains the top priority, and he is recovering well with eyes set on returning for future rounds.
With Leslie out, the spotlight shifted to the Women’s Pro Downhill field where MacKenna Merten and Isabella Naughton carried the KHS flag. Merten laid down a fast and composed run, holding the hot seat for a time before ultimately finishing a strong 11th in a stacked elite field. Meanwhile, Naughton was on pace for a potential podium or even national title when an unfortunate mechanical failure mid-run led to a non-severe crash, forcing her into a 23rd-place finish. It was a tough break, but her aggressive riding and top-level form continue to prove she’s among the best in the country.
Despite the highs and lows, the KHS Pro MTB Team leaves Big Bear with a National Championship title, a silver medal, and renewed focus heading into the Big Mountain Enduro Finals next weekend in Granby, Colorado.