Rising mountain biking star Chloe Bear refuses to slow down

Ankle sprain on the eve of Italy event is tough blow, but she views it as just another lesson Last month, Bellingham resident Chloe Bear, 19, reached Finale Ligure, Italy, to compete in the 2026 mountain bike enduro world championships. She had spent months preparing for what would be a challenging competition. However, her hopes of racing were cut short when she suffered an ankle sprain on one of her training days. This crash would take her out just before the race. Had she competed, Bear would have been one of only two American women among the 36 other female riders from around the world. Bear grew up in North Bend, Washington, where she had been riding bikes ever since her feet could reach the pedals. Her life has been filled with adventure ever since. Whether it’s backpacking, skiing or weekend trips up to Bellingham to couch surf and mountain bike, Bear has had a thirst for the outdoors and getting dirt under her nails.

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