Fernie local Carter Nieuwesteeg has added his name to mountain biking history, taking the coveted All-Mountain title at the legendary Downieville Classic in California. Often referred to as the “unofficial All-Mountain World Championship,” the event challenges riders to master both a grueling cross-country race and a high-speed, technical downhill—testing endurance, skill, and grit in equal measure.
Nieuwesteeg, who has long considered Downieville a “bucket list” event, made his dream debut in style. Arriving just two days before the races, he managed a single reconnaissance ride on each course, mindful of conserving energy in the high-altitude summer heat. With the XC and DH courses too long to memorize every technical section, Nieuwesteeg relied on a straightforward approach: trust his equipment, trust his ability, and dig deep when it mattered most.
That strategy proved decisive. Despite a near-crash in the cross-country stage, Nieuwesteeg stayed in contention, setting up a nail-biting showdown in the downhill. The All-Mountain title ultimately came down to a razor-thin margin—just 1.5 seconds separating him from second place after two days of racing.
“The more people I talk to who know this event, the more I realize how special this win is,” Nieuwesteeg reflected. “The history of Downieville, the legends who’ve won it before, the grit and technical skill it takes—it’s all pretty wild, and I’m proud to say I had the complete package to make it happen.”
He credited his success not only to his racing form, but also to the support from his crew, including pre- and post-race help from friends, encouragement from seasoned pros, and the community spirit that defines the Downieville Classic.
With this win, Nieuwesteeg joins an elite list of champions who have conquered one of North America’s most respected mountain bike events. While he hasn’t finalized his plans for next season, he’s already marked Downieville 2026 on his calendar.
For Fernie, his victory is more than a personal milestone—it’s another proud moment for the town’s thriving cycling community, and an inspiration for riders who dream of competing on the sport’s biggest stages.
Photos: seabrightphotography
