Fast American Women | The Future of Jr. Elite

Fast American Women | The Future

In the recent past the USA has not exactly been at the forefront of Jr. Elite racing, especially in the women’s ranks … we think that’s all about to change. In 2019, the current USA BMX 15-16 Expert Girls riders, for the most part, become eligible for Jr. Elite and it’s overflowing with talent. Not only are these girls fast, they’re supremely skilled … and they jump! It’s not unusual to see one of them peel off down the pro side mid race.

Over the past year we’ve had one eye on this group, and while it’s not an exhaustive list, we think the likes of Lexis Colby, Natalee Daugherty, Mckenzie ‘Skittles’ Gayheart, Carly Kane and Payton ‘P-Nut’ Ridenour are about to make international BMX sit up and take notice. The future looks bright for Elite Women’s BMX in the States and it was time we caught up with the future …

But before we could find out more, we needed someone who knew this group inside out, someone who understood what it takes to transition from amateur to full on 8m speed demons. We needed BMX legend and current US Development coach, Arielle Martin Verhaaren to set the scene …

Fast American Women | The Future

‘When I consider what it takes for an amateur racing BMX in 2018 to take the step into racing Jr/Elite successfully three things come to mind:

First, they have to have good skills and bike awareness that needs to start at a young age. The speed and technicality of SX tracks require good bike handling and whether you love or hate SX is a moot point as long as it is the Olympic and World Championship format. It is easy to take a kid with a decent skill set and enhance those skills and build him or her an engine as they get older, but it’s a steep task to take a kid with an engine and at 16 teach them finesse on a bike if they have not already been working at it.

Second, they have some mental toughness or resilience and a little bit of grit to take on the challenges of pro racing. As a young amateur the opportunities for wins come easily with so many nationals, but racing professionally is mentally tough especially for the kid that has won every race growing up and doesn’t know how to lose. No current amateur turns pro and starts winning Elite right away. When I’m looking to identify talent on the track I like to watch how a kid races, I like to see the scrappy kids mid pack that can fight their way up to the front. I like to see the kid that gets beat one day and has the mental fortitude to come back and win the next day. Pack riding, race smarts, and mental toughness on the track are invaluable skills as a pro.

Third, and most important in my opinion, there needs to be a passion for riding and the sport! The kid that loves to ride their bike, race their bike and is willing to put in the work to improve on their bike. Pro training can be a grind, long gone are the days when you can just roll up to the track pop off a few gates with your buddies and win pro titles. There is little money to be made in BMX, there is most likely going to be injuries, and most definitely a lot of losing before winning. I raced BMX for 23 years, 13 of which professionally and the one thing that kept me going through the slumps, injuries, and tough training days was my passion for the bike. I still love to ride my bike and I’ve been technically retired for 5 years! The kid that truly loves to ride their bike is the kid that will make it through the challenges to the top.

All of these girls in the 15-16 class possess these qualities, but what makes this group especially unique is a 4th factor… they ALL race each other and motivate each other in a positive way. Make no mistake, these girls are rivals on the track, but they can hang out and have a trail jam or push each other to hit the men’s side on a SX track. In effect, they have all made each other better by raising the bar click by click. In all my years racing BMX I’ve seen a few of these healthy rivalries that have spawned some great riders, Connor, Corben, and Jared Garcia comes to mind as they all raced each other growing up, but I’ve never seen a group of girls this deep that continues to push each other. No doubts these girls have been influenced by good role models of pro women who love to jump, train, and battle hard in the current women’s pro class… Alise Post, Brooke Crain, Lauren Reynolds, Dani George, Felicia Stancil to name a few have set good examples for them.

To sum it up, I’ll put money on at least one of these girls making a solid bid for Tokyo and most definitely think we will see them on the 2024 squad …’ – Arielle Martin Verhaaren

15: How has the current race season been going so far? Happy? Hitting those goals?

Carly: This race season has had its’ ups and downs, but currently I’m sitting on 6 seconds and 2 wins for my top 8 finishes. Obviously, I’d love to change some more of those seconds to firsts before Grands, but honestly, I’m not too concerned with the whole N.A.G. and National ranking thing because in the next year or two I’ll be pro.

Lexis: Pretty excited going into Grands with a solid 12 wins. I am most proud of my first Supercross win in Oldsmar, can’t wait to hit more of the big hills.

Natalee: If I’m going to be honest, this year hasn’t been the best results-wise, but even though the numbers don’t show it, this year has been the best I’ve ever felt on my bike!

Payton: The season has been going really good so far! I’ve gotten to race some new places (Salt Lake City, Utah, and Oldsmar, Florida) on the national circuit, which has been super cool. Definitely hitting my goals with getting all my wins in for my class for the Grands, perfecting my skills, racing the SX Opens, and having fun doing it all. Life is good!

Mckenzie: I’m not gonna lie, it’s been very, very rough!

15: Have you had much international race experience yet? What has been your best result? Favourite event?

Payton: I haven’t had much international race experience yet. Believe it or not, I’ve never been out of the continental United States. But I did just get my passport, so lookout world here I come! I would say my best result was getting World #2 at the 2017 World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina, which was my first time ever racing Worlds. This gave me the opportunity to race some fast-foreign riders who have also become my friends. And Worlds would have to be my favorite event–for sure–because I got to race more riders than I normally do at the regular nationals, plus we got gate pick, and that was sick.

Mckenzie: I’ve had a little from the Worlds in Belgium, Colombia and Baku … my favorite was Belgium even though I got World No. 1 Cruiser in Baku.

Natalee: My first international race was the 2015 World Championships in Zolder, and I got 5th in the semi. My second was the 2017 World Championships in Rock Hill, and I placed 3rd, which is my best “international” result. The 2017 Worlds has to be one of my favorite races. I surprised myself quite a bit and made it into the main alongside some of my good friends.

Carly: I’ve haven’t been out of the country yet, but I plan on going to worlds next year as long as I can earn myself a spot on the team. I was N.A.G. 7 a couple years ago which was and still is my best result for a year. I’ve always had a tough time getting all of my wins, but I’m finally getting a little more powerful, so that should be changing very soon. My favorite event is USA BMX’s Music City Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee by a long shot. It’s my favorite track, favorite atmosphere, and it marks the beginning of summer for me every year (school lets out the week before). It’s a win, win, win!

Lexis: I had the opportunity to travel to Medellin, Colombia for the 2016 Worlds bringing home W8. It was an amazing experience and can’t wait to see where else BMX takes me in the world.

Mckenzie 'Skittles' Gayheart - Kirby Cronk

15: Next season you are eligible to turn Jr. Elite. Is that the plan?

Mckenzie: Yesss!!!

Natalee: Definitely, and I think that the U.S. will have a really good group of junior women next year. It’ll be interesting to race at the next level with new people I’ve never competed against, along with girls I’ve raced throughout my whole life.

Carly: Since I raced Junior Elite at the USA BMX Derby City Nationals I think technically I’m already considered junior. Either way, yes, I will be junior next year.

Lexis: I am eligible and have that as a goal to achieve in the next year. I have always dreamed of racing the big hill ever since I was 8 years old.

Payton: Awww yeahhh, I can’t wait to turn Jr. Elite next year. That is for sure the plan. There’re some fast 15-16 girls moving up the ranks and the current pros are gonna be blown away by the incoming talent.

15: If you jump to Jr. does that mean you have to race Pro Women in the US or can you continue in an amateur class nationally … or are you planning to jump in with both feet? Does the thought of battling with Alise, Brooke, Lauren etc. excite or terrify you?

Payton: To be honest, I have no clue how the whole system works. But, if I can just race Pro Women full time that would be cool to get the experience early on. Jumping in and racing all the “big guns” in the pro class definitely excites me. I’m for sure up for the challenge, and I’m looking forward to it.

Carly: From what I understand, if Payton, Mckenzie, Lexi, Natalee, and I all turn junior, then we will race Junior Elite at UCI SX races and NASX races. At tracks that lack a Supercross hill, we’ll race amateur. At least that’s what I’ve heard, though quite frankly I don’t think anyone knows for sure since the US has never really had a junior elite class.

Lexis: That is a big decision not yet decided. What you can expect is I will be training hard to be the top in whatever direction I take. Racing with the best of the best pumps the adrenaline and brings on nothing but pure excitement. It will be awesome to race with some of my idols.

Natalee: As long as you follow certain guidelines, its legal to race amateur as a junior elite, but I plan on turning pro as well. I expect next year to mostly be just learning the ropes, and seeing where I’m at in the class. I’m definitely more excited than scared at the moment, but I’ll probably be as nervous as ever when the time comes to actually race.

Mekenzie: I think both, it would be sick to line up with the big dogs!

15: Do you feel you’re prepared for the rigors of the Jr. Elite / Elite class. Physically, and especially mentally, it’s going to be on a whole new level!

Lexis: I train hard on a daily basis but most importantly I have an amazing support system through family, trainers and my team, Gordy’s Bicycles, that have helped prepare me as well.

Natalee: I feel like I’m mentally prepared, but I’m unsure about physically. I’ll be racing new people on tracks I’ve never competed on, so I have no clue where I would stand, but I think by the time it comes to compete I’ll be ready.

Payton: I feel like I’m prepared for the elite class, I’ve been racing ever since I was five and couldn’t be more stoked to race on a new level. And, I’ve got an incredible support crew behind me as well.

Mckenzie: I still need some work, but mentally I’m stoked!

Carly: It will be a learning experience, but I believe I’m prepared. It’s definitely going to be a lot different, but I think in a very good way. I can’t wait.

15: In practical terms have you had the opportunity to get to grips with Supercross tracks and the challenges they will present?

Carly: Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to ride a handful of Supercross tracks, and they never disappoint. The big hill is so fun. I think my biggest problem will just be learning to push through jumps. I have a tendency to sky jumps, haha.

Lexis: Talking about support systems, I am lucky to have Tyler Brown and Jamie Staff take a special interest in my career by providing me the opportunity to enhance my skills at the Elite Training facility in Chula Vista, CA on one of the biggest supercross track in the world.

Mckenzie: Yes, I’m in love with Supercross tracks! I love the challenge … and I’m always up for a challenge.

Payton: I’ve been out to Chula Vista, California, at the Elite Athlete Training Center a few times over the past two years now to get more familiar with Supercross. Also, I raced the SX Opens in Rock Hill and Oldsmar this year, which has definitely given me tons of experience and helped me get more used to the slight difference in riding style that Supercross has.

Natalee: I’ve had the opportunity to go out to the training center in Chula Vista a number of times, thanks to Tyler Brown and Jamie staff. I’ve also raced a few SX Opens. I’d say I feel pretty comfortable on those tracks. I love SX tracks because they make me push my limits, and the feeling of going down the hill and hitting big jumps never gets old.

15: Correct us if we’re wrong but we suspect your long-term goals are the Olympics … Paris or Los Angeles? What about the short-term, what would you like to achieve in the first year or two?

Natalee: I’d race Tokyo if I could! I’d be glad to race either one, or both, the sooner the better. It’s definitely on the top of my list of goals. Like I said earlier, the first year will mostly be about feeling out the Pro and Jr. class, and if I can make my way into some mains, and who knows, maybe even some podiums, I’d be very happy. Hopefully by the second year I’ll start to make a name for myself!

Carly: Yes, I absolutely want to go to the Olympics. I’d love to compete in both Paris and LA. I will be 22 in 2024 and 26 in 2028, so it’s very doable. In the first few years I want to be on the podium as much as possible.

Lexis: The Olympics are my #1 goal. Definitely going for Paris, but would love the opportunity to attend both. Short term goals are to continue with my education since college is right around the corner and of course continue to train hard to meet the challenges of BMX.

Payton: My long-term goals are definitely to go to the Olympics, but before that I really want to do some international travel and race some Worlds Cups, and compete in the World Championships again.

Mckenzie: The short-term would be to win Jr. Elite at the World Championships.

15: Do you plan on racing the UCI World Cup Series, historically or at least in recent times the US hasn’t had many Jr. Women travelling. Is your generation about to change that?

Carly: I definitely want to race some of the UCI World Cups. I’m a junior this year, but once I’m out of high school I’ll be hitting a lot of those races. I think I speak for all of us when I say that this generation will without a doubt change- or I guess create- the international junior program for the US.

Payton: It would be so sweet to race the UCI World Cup Series, I always watch every single lap from home and it would be rad to compete! I think the up and coming junior girls are going to change the number of girls travelling for sure. I think all of us are super talented and we have the opportunity to showcase that in the World Cups.

Mckenzie: For sure, I’m so stocked about this generation.

Lexis: It would be an amazing opportunity and I definitely think my generation has the potential to succeed.

Natalee: If it’s possible, I plan on it for sure. I think we have a pretty talented group of girls coming up these next couple years, and I can see us changing the pace for U.S. Jr. Women.

15: Is there a current Elite rider you would like to emulate? You’re lucky to race at the same events as some of the World’s fastest women, do they give you advice?

Natalee: It’s hard to choose. Sarah Walker is probably the easiest to compare to myself, because of our similar riding style and build. Alise and Laura are some of the most consistent riders in the world, Mariana rides effortlessly, and Saya is already one of the top Elite Women so early in her career. Shealen Reno goes to my home track in Desoto, y’all might’ve heard of her. I’ve known her since I started racing, so I suppose if any Elite Women has given me advice, it was probably her, however useful it might’ve been. Haha.

Carly: There’s plenty of extremely talented Elites who I’d love to ride like, but if I ride just like them, I won’t beat them haha. I talk to a lot of Elites, but above all, Felicia Stancil is always giving me tips which is awesome. I appreciate it more than she knows.

Payton: One rider that I look up to the most is Alise. She’s usually at Chula when I go out there and I think she has one of the radest styles in BMX. She’s super dedicated and is a good role model for not just me, but everyone. Although she is now retired, Kim Hayashi is another role model of mine. I used to ride with her a bit when I lived out west and she is one of the best bike handlers of all time. Alise and Kim are both legends!

Mckenzie: Caroline Buchanan! Some will help me out a little.

Lexis: There is not one in particular because they are all amazing and bring expertise in different skills to the sport. I have been lucky girl to meet many of the Elite riders and they are always willing to share their personal stories and advice.

15: Who do you think will be the person to beat in Jr. Women in the next couple of years, besides your fellow American’s is there anyone else your keeping an eye on?

Carly: Jessie Smith. I don’t know when she’s going to turn Elite, but she’s junior right now. She’s from New Zealand and she’s absolutely insane on a bike.

Payton: I think the girl to beat in Jr. Women in the next couple years would be my Swiss pal, Nadine Aeberhard, who got World #1 in my class in 2017 and 2018. I’ve only gotten to race her a few times but she’s for sure quick.

Natalee: Nadine Aeberhard, Ellie Featherstone, and Jui Yabuta are a few off the top of my head. I think there’s a good number of skilled girls coming up everywhere, so it’s probably gonna be a pretty stacked class.

Lexis: I never discount anyone who shows up to race because you never know who’s training the hardest, but there are a lot of fast ladies in my class!

Mckenzie: Ummm, yes! Nadine Aeberhard and Ellie Featherstone, they are looking strong.

15: Is there anything you’d like to see change at Elite level in the future … if you could change one thing what would it be?

Natalee: I’m not super familiar with the Elite class yet, so I haven’t really heard of any issues that racers have had, if any, but moreover on the USA BMX side of things, pay has been an issue. People used to win cars and way more money than pros do now, and that was 20 years ago! Only a few pros can make a solid living off of racing, and that’s mostly sponsor money. I’m not saying that pros should be getting salaries, but I do think they deserve more for all of the work they put in. With higher pay, there’d be more incentive for pros to attend more races, and that would make for some great racing, which is good for USA BMX as well.

Carly: I’d like to see some world cups on three- and five-meter hills instead of all of them taking place on 8-meter hills. The big hill is my favorite but it definitely changes the sport a lot.

Lexis: I think the sport has progressed well and the support is amazing. If I could change one thing it would be that BMX was more recognized in the U.S. especially for woman.

Mckenzie: I think here in the US … the payout?

Payton: If I could change one thing at the Elite level, I think it would be cool to have some different “fun” events held annually or couple times throughout the year. For example, adding flat pedal or pump elimination races (on regular tracks) to spice things up a little. Or an ultimate skills challenge or racing similar to the Motocross’ Monster Energy Cup. All the pros could go to represent some more fun in the sport apart from the usual racing and there would be crazy, cool prizes and some cash (or even better, a lot of cash). The details need to be worked out, but I’m putting the ideas out there.

15: Who’s in your corner on your march to world domination?

Lexis: I am one lucky girl that I have a full corner of support. I owe many thanks to my family, friends, my team Gordy’s Bicycles, Tangent Products, Fly Racing, and my trainers, Bubba Harris, Tyler Brown, Travis Postany and many others.

Carly: My family and friends, DK Bicycles, Airborne bicycles, Fly Racing, BOX Components, KMC. I can’t thank them enough for everything that they do for me to make my dreams a reality.

Mckenzie: Throdwn, Lead Racewear, BOX Components, J & R Bicycles, Sidi Cycling, Quarq, Blotout Graphics, my coach Joey Bradford and of course, Mom, Dad, Family and friends.

Payton: I have such an awesome support crew from the NBL days on the east coast, beast coast. But to point out a few: my mom and dad, Jamie Staff, Coach Arielle Martin-Verhaaren, Dale Holmes, John Buultjens, and the local crew (Scott Mechler, J Bertles, Evan Eisenhard, and the guys at Catty & Posh Woods) are all in my corner on my march to world domination! Hold on – it’s gonna be a wild ride! USA Cycling, Haro Bikes, Rockstar Energy Drink, WD 40 Bike, 100 Percent, Answer Racing, Shimano, ODI grips, BOX Components, Tioga, HRP Designs, Wheel Builder.

Natalee: My family, team, and the girlies. Free Agent, BOX Components, Fly Racing, Potter Plates, Sidi Cycling, 100 Percent, ODI grips.

Photos by Kirby Cronk | Craig Dutton / BMX Mania