In an exciting development for the world of professional mountain biking, Kate Courtney, a decorated American cross-country cyclist, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer. This collaboration marks a significant step for both Courtney and Rivian, aligning their shared values of high performance and environmental consciousness. This partnership will see Rivian become the first official sponsor of Courtney’s new “She Sends Racing” program which aims to connect, support, and inspire women and girls through mountain biking.
A Champion on Two Wheels: Kate Courtney’s Illustrious Career
Kate Courtney, born on October 29, 1995, has risen to the pinnacle of mountain biking, becoming a role model for aspiring athletes around the world. Growing up in Marin County, California, the birthplace of mountain biking, she was introduced to the sport at a young age, riding tandem with her father on the trails of Mount Tamalpais. Her early experiences ignited a passion that would lead to a remarkable career.
Courtney’s journey is marked by a series of impressive achievements:
- Early Success: In 2012, she became the first American woman to win a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in the Junior category.
- Collegiate and Professional Transition: After graduating high school in 2013, Courtney attended Stanford University, studying human biology, and also signed her first professional contract with Specialized Bicycles.
- U23 Dominance: In 2017, Courtney won four U23 World Cups and secured the U23 Overall World Cup victory, along with her first Elite National Championship Title.
- Elite World Champion: In 2018, Courtney won the Elite XCO World Championship, the first American to do so since 2001.
- World Cup Champion: She is also the 2019 Elite XCO World Cup Overall Champion, another first for an American in 17 years.
- Cape Epic Victory: In 2018, she partnered with Annika Langvad to win the prestigious Cape Epic stage race, becoming the first American to win the event.
- Olympian: Courtney represented the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- Multiple National Championships: She is a two-time US cross-country (XC) national champion, winning the title in 2017 and 2018.
- Pan American Champion: She is the current Pan American Champion.
- Continued Success: As of January 2025, Courtney has achieved 32 career wins, including 3 World Cup wins and 10 World Cup podiums.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Courtney is also known for her advocacy for climate awareness and promoting inclusivity within the sport of mountain biking. Her decision to partner with Rivian further underscores her dedication to sustainability.
Rivian: Pioneering Sustainable Adventure
Rivian, founded in 2009, is an American electric vehicle manufacturer committed to producing all-electric trucks and SUVs that are both high-performing and environmentally responsible. Rivian’s mission is to “keep the world adventurous forever,” a principle that aligns perfectly with Courtney’s passion for outdoor exploration and sustainability.
Key aspects of Rivian include:
- All-Electric Vehicles: Rivian produces only electric vehicles, including the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV, designed for both on-road and off-road capabilities.
- Sustainability Focus: Rivian is dedicated to sustainable transportation, with a mission to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly practices.
- Innovative Technology: Rivian’s vehicles are built on a unique “skateboard” platform, allowing for flexibility in design and adaptability for future models.
- High Performance: Rivian vehicles are known for their impressive power, range, and off-roading capabilities, making them ideal for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Company Values: Rivian operates with core values such as integrity, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. The company has also signed the Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
- Commitment to Diversity: Rivian has a Belonging Team focused on activities and practices that enable diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation makes them a fitting partner for Kate Courtney, who also prioritizes both performance and environmental responsibility.
The Partnership: “She Sends Racing” and a Shared Vision
This partnership between Kate Courtney and Rivian is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a collaboration based on shared values and goals. Rivian’s support will be channeled through Courtney’s newly launched “She Sends Racing” program, an initiative focused on empowering women and girls in mountain biking.
The goals of this partnership are:
- Inspiring Women and Girls: The “She Sends Racing” program aims to create a supportive and inclusive community for women and girls in mountain biking.
- Promoting Sustainability: Both Courtney and Rivian are committed to environmental stewardship, and this partnership will raise awareness about sustainable practices in sports and transportation.
- High-Performance with a Purpose: Courtney’s mission of “pursuing high performance with a purpose” perfectly aligns with Rivian’s mission to create sustainable and adventurous vehicles.
- Supporting the Mountain Biking Community: By partnering with Courtney, Rivian is actively engaging with the mountain biking community, promoting the importance of environmental consciousness within the sport.
Rivian’s official statement on social media highlighted their excitement to “power Kate Courtney’s mission-driven race program to connect, support and inspire women and girls through mountain biking.” Courtney has also stated that her new sponsors will share the value of “getting more girls on bikes.”
Rivian’s Electric Vehicles: Powering Adventures
Rivian currently offers two fully electric models: the R1T truck and the R1S SUV. Both vehicles are designed for both everyday driving and challenging off-road terrains.
Rivian R1T Truck:
- Features four electric motors, two on each axle.
- Produces a combined output of 835 hp (622 kW) and 908 lb⋅ft (1231 N⋅m) of torque.
- Can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds.
- Offered with three battery sizes: 105 kWh, 135 kWh, or 180 kWh.
- Projected range of 230 to over 400 miles, depending on the battery pack.
Rivian R1S SUV:
- Designed for city driving, off-roading, and all-weather conditions.
- Can achieve up to 320 miles on a single charge, depending on the battery pack.
- Can tow up to 7000 pounds.
- Combines luxury with the ability to handle rough terrain.
These vehicles exemplify Rivian’s commitment to creating high-performance electric vehicles that cater to the needs of both everyday users and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Future
The partnership between Kate Courtney and Rivian represents an exciting convergence of high-performance sports and environmental responsibility. As Courtney continues to compete at the highest levels of mountain biking and promote inclusivity through her “She Sends Racing” program, Rivian’s support will be instrumental in advancing their shared values.
This collaboration is a significant step towards a more sustainable future, demonstrating how athletes and companies can work together to create positive change in their respective fields. By combining Courtney’s influence and Rivian’s technological innovations, this partnership will undoubtedly inspire others to embrace sustainability and adventure in their own lives. As both Kate Courtney and Rivian continue to push boundaries and innovate, this partnership is one to watch in the future.
