Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Meet the Summer 2026 Ambassador and Athlete Team
The 2026 Sun Peaks Squad is made up of local mountain bikers who share a passion for riding and a love for the trails at Sun Peaks. From freeride to downhill racing, these riders represent the diverse mountain biking community that calls Sun Peaks home. Throughout the summer, they'll be capturing and sharing their experiences on the mountain through photos, videos and stories. Meet this year's squad and follow along as they showcase what makes riding at Sun Peaks so special.
For our official news release on the program, click here.
Lily Holly, Athlete
Age: 17
Mountain Bike Discipline: DH Racing, Freeride
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Follow Lily on Instagram and TikTok
Why I Love Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks has always been one of my favourite places. I love being up in the mountains, riding the Bike Park, eating good food, and just enjoying everything the resort has to offer. Coming back as part of the Sun Peaks Squad again this year feels really special.
The atmosphere here is so welcoming and supportive. Whether I’m doing laps in the Bike Park, hitting freeride lines, or just hanging out in the village, it always feels like home. The community has helped me grow so much as a rider and I’m grateful for it.
This summer I’m excited to compete in Air DH at Crankworx Whistler and represent Sun Peaks while continuing to push myself on the bike. I can’t wait to share more good times with the team and the whole mountain community.
Louis Lapierre, Athlete
Age: 14
Mountain Bike Discipline: DH Racing, Enduro, Freeride, Slopestyle, XC
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Follow Louis on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
I’ve been biking since I was two years old, and riding has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I ride XC, enduro, downhill, freeride, slopestyle, and spend as much time as I can progressing in the Bike Park. I recently wrapped up racing with the Valleyview Secondary bike team, earned several podiums this season, and finished third in the Sun Peaks Junior DH Championship last summer.
Sun Peaks is my main riding spot and has been a huge part of my progression. I ride here several times a week through the summer, learning new lines, training with friends, and pushing my style and abilities. Last year, I was featured as one of the main riders in the short film Freeride Dreams with Freehub Magazine, Matty Miles, Dylan Sherrard, and Tourism Kamloops, which was a big milestone for me.
This summer, I’ll be racing the full BC Cup Dunbar Series and continuing to grow as a rider. I’m stoked to be part of the Sun Peaks Squad, bring positive energy to the mountain, and share my progression with the biking community.
Megan Pretorius, Athlete
Age: 15
Mountain Bike Discipline: DH Racing, Enduro Racing
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Sponsors/Shout Outs:
Forbidden, Vorsprung, We Are One, Gravity MTB Racing
Follow Megan on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks has become one of my favourite places to ride and it really motivates me to improve as a racer. It’s where I learned to ride and where I’ve made so many great memories with friends. I love the mix of fun laps, training sessions, and race days here. The atmosphere is awesome. There’s such a strong and welcoming community of people who share the same passion for mountain biking.
Whether I’m riding with friends, meeting new people on the mountain, or competing at events, it always feels like I belong. I’m excited to be part of the Sun Peaks Squad this summer so I can share that energy with others through photos and videos. Downhill racing is a huge part of my life and Sun Peaks plays a big role in pushing me forward while keeping it fun. I can’t wait to represent this amazing place!
This summer, I’ll be competing in DH Nationals, BC Cup and Canada Cup races, Crankworx Whistler and SilverStar, and the Fox US Open as I continue to push myself in both downhill and enduro racing.
Jon Smith, Athlete
Age: 42
Mountain Bike Discipline: DH Racing
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Sponsors/Shout Outs:
Troy Lee Designs, District Bike Shop
Follow Jon on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
I’ve been racing DH since 1999 and Sun Peaks has been a huge part of my journey for a long time. My first race here was back in 2000 and I’ve been coming back ever since. Last year I won the Masters 35+ overall for the BC Cup, including a win right here at Sun Peaks.
I moved to Kamloops in 2010 and Sun Peaks quickly became my home mountain. I love how it feels like a real bike community with great facilities and positive energy. The progression park and magic carpet have been amazing for my kids over the last five years too. Being part of the Sun Peaks Squad means a lot to me. I’m excited to help promote DH racing and mountain biking alongside other passionate riders this summer.
This summer, I’ll be competing in the BC Bike Race DH, Dunbar Summer Series races, and select BC Cup and Canada Cup DH races, with National Championships at Sun Peaks as a major highlight.
Amelia Burrill, Ambassador
Age: 22
Mountain Bike Discipline: Bike Park, Trail Riding
Hometown: Williams Lake, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Follow Amelia on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
Growing up in the Interior of BC, the mountain lifestyle has always been a big part of who I am. Whether I’m riding the Bike Park after work, golfing with friends, hiking local trails, or just spending time outside, this is where I feel most like myself.
I love how genuine Sun Peaks feels. It’s all about real community vibes, fun adventures with friends, and those special little moments like getting surprised by snow on closing day or stopping mid-hike to admire the view, snap a photo, and convince yourself you’re not stopping because you’re out of breath. I also really appreciate how inclusive it is for everyone. The Bike Park feels very accessible for all levels of riders.
I’m excited to help share authentic stories about life at Sun Peaks this summer.
Brandon Dupuis, Ambassador
Age: 17
Mountain Bike Discipline: Adaptive MTB, Enduro Racing, Bike Park, Trail Riding
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Follow Brandon on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
Mountain biking has become a huge part of my life and Sun Peaks has played a big role in that. I love the variety the Bike Park offers. From technical sections and challenging trails to smooth flow lines and jump trails, it’s the perfect place to push myself while still having a ton of fun.
The atmosphere and community here are what really make it special. I enjoy sharing that stoke with others, whether I’m posting photos and edits, talking to friends about the trails, or encouraging newer riders to come out and try the Bike Park. Sun Peaks has such a welcoming vibe combined with really high-quality riding all in one spot.
I’m really excited for the chance to represent the resort this summer and help share how awesome it is with more people.
Conor Systrom, Ambassador
Age: 35
Discipline: DH Racing, Trail Riding
Hometown: Boston, MA
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Sponsors/Shout Outs:
Knolly Bikes, Chromag, Essential Cycles, Das Optics, Tera Meade Training
Follow Connor on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
Since moving to Kamloops last fall, I’ve had opening day at the Bike Park circled on my calendar. This is my first full summer here and I’m stoked to make Sun Peaks the heart of my goal to ride 200 days in 2026.
I’m originally from the Greater Boston area where I did some modest XC riding growing up. After moving to Canada with my wife and dog in 2018 and getting back into mountain biking in 2020, the BC mountains now feel like home.
Even though I’m in my mid 30s, this is only my second season of DH racing. Having the BC Cup and National Championships right on my doorstep has me excited to keep improving this summer. My career in the music industry keeps dance and electronic music central to my life, so I love pairing new tracks with riding clips and the drive up to Sun Peaks.
I can’t wait to kick things off with the squad on opening weekend and log some big days all summer long!
Hiroto Takagi, Ambassador
Age: 29
Mountain Bike Discipline: Freeride, Trail Riding
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Lives In: Kamloops, BC
Sponsors/Shout Outs:
Knolly Bikes, Chromag Bikes, District Bike Co, Ripton Co, Eastend Crew
Follow Hiro on Instagram
Why I Love Sun Peaks
I had a great time as part of the Sun Peaks Squad last season and I’m really happy to be back again this year. Biking has given me so much. It has helped me meet amazing people and build friendships that mean a lot to me. I want to keep sharing that energy and inspire others to get out and ride.
Last year, I worked on the Ballad of Belonging project and it was really special to see people connect with the photos and stories in such a meaningful way. This summer I’m working on a new filming project about trail building and I would love to involve Sun Peaks in it. I’m also excited to keep shooting photos and capturing the stoke around the mountain.
Sun Peaks is still my favourite bike park and I’m looking forward to helping grow the community and push the sport forward together.
Inspired by this year's team?
The Sun Peaks Squad program brings together athletes and ambassadors who share a passion for mountain life and adventure. Explore the program to learn how members represent Sun Peaks and what it takes to join the squad.