Monster Cross 2026 | Pocahontas State Park

Monster Cross at Pocahontas State Park is a key early-season mountain bike race that draws Virginia juniors and youth racers building toward NICA and USA Cycling competition. And, Monster Cross is more than a race, it is a checkpoint. For 3 Cats Racing, it showed a breakthrough win, depth across categories, and fitness already showing up.

Shortly before the race, the team connected with growth advisor Pete Stetina, a former WorldTour pro turned gravel leader known for his focus on long-term development and building strong athlete pathways. That conversation helped set the tone for the season ahead and reinforced the team’s commitment to growing both performance and community.

The season did not just start. It launched.

3 Cats Racing at its first ever race with special guest, Miller School of Albemarle Endurance Team, Felix

Monster Cross

The start of a race season always carries that mix of nerves and excitement, and Monster Cross at Pocahontas State Park delivered both in full.

With 25- and 50-mile options and deep fields across every category, this local race never feels small. The course runs fast but demands focus, and the energy showed up early, especially in the junior fields. It felt like everyone came ready to show exactly what they built over the winter.

3 Cats Racing showed up ready. At least the racers did, we had a bike break the night before when a bolt failed on Mat's race bike. Coach Andy of MIller School was a true hero when he showed up at 6:30 in the morning to make sure Mat was ready to go with a team bike. Felix jumped in the caravan with the team and we were off to unusally beautiful weather and a brilliant day ahead.

Lia’s Victory: A Milestone for 3 Cats Racing

Lia delivered the moment of the day.

Oh yeah, Lia!

Riding strong and composed, she took 1st place in the Girls Junior 25-mile, earning the first-ever win for 3 Cats Racing. A huge milestone and the kind of result that shifts the whole team’s momentum.

Fueling has been a challenge in the past, but a pre-race conversation with Pete Stetina about when to fuel and how to stay ahead of it made a real difference. She stayed on top of her nutrition, avoided the usual fade, and was able to hold power and focus all the way through.

Stacked Fields, Real Racing

Mat (and Felix) lined up in a deep Men’s Open 25-mile field and battled to 10th and 11th place, a strong ride in one of the most competitive categories of the day. Mat said that the best part was that he and Felix could work together to have a great day on the bike as well as a lot of fun in the process.

Mat and Felx from Miller School of Albemarle Ready to roll.

Nathan took on the longer effort, using his intelligence and strategy to conserve his strength, riding smart and savvy. He took Pete's advice very seriously and didn't plan the race in advance and let it unfold naturally without trying to spend too much energy speeding up it up when he didn't have to. With a clean feed (thanks Beth!) heading into lap two, he stayed fueled and focused when the race really started to bite.

Nathan rode smart, conserved energy and stayed with the leaders most of the day.

After the race, a PCPC coach reached out to us to tell us that he rode incredibly strategically and that we all should be proud. And, we definitely are proud of all the work our racers are putting into reaching their goals.

Coaches Bill and Erik Join the Fun

Bill and Erik did not just coach, they raced.

That kind of presence matters. It builds culture, energy, and connection across the team. Not just telling the work, but doing it. Erik lined up in the back to make sure none of the 3 Cats racers needed anything and then had a fun day of chasing down riders one at a time. Coach Bill said it was more fun then the SM but we missed the serious steez he brought to Stokesville with that mutlicolor leopard print jersey.

Monster Cross 2026 Photos | Junior Cycling Virginia | Pocahontas State Park MTB Race - Photos from other participants here.