The Bike Ambassador and Athlete Squad for summer 2026 has been released with a lineup of eight athletes for its third year of the program. 

The Athlete Stream is full of athletes focused on training, racing and competition with the Ambassador Stream focused on riders and creators sharing Sun Peaks through photography, storytelling and film. 

“Supporting these riders and helping elevate their pursuits is an important part of showcasing the passion and talent within our biking community,” Christina Antoniak, Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s director of brand and communications said in a press release. 

The Athlete Stream

The Athlete Stream includes Louis Lapierre, Lily Holly, Megan Pretorius and Jon Smith. 

Louis Lapierre is 14 years old and specializes in Downhill racing, Enduro, Freeride, Slopestyle and Cross Country. With his hometown in Kamloops, Lapierre has been biking since he was two years old and recognizes Sun Peaks as his main riding spot. Currently, he is working on progressing his bike park skills, training several times a week throughout the summer season. 

Next is Lily Holly, a 17-year-old returning member with a specialty in Downhill racing and Freeride. Also growing up in Kamloops, Sun Peaks has always been one of Holly’s favourite places. This season, she will be competing in Air Downhill at Crankworx Whistler representing Sun Peaks. 

“I can’t wait to share more good times with the team and the whole mountain community,” Holly said in a press release. 

Another Kamloops local joining the stream is Megan Pretorius who is a 15-year-old Downhill and Enduro racer.

“I love the mix of fun laps, training sessions and race days [in Sun Peaks],” Pretorius said in a press release. Pretorius will be competing in Downhill Nationals, BC Cup and Canada Cup races as well as Crankworx Whistler, SilverStar and the Fox US Open.

The final member of the Athlete Stream is 42-year-old downhill racer and veteran Jon Smith. He grew up in Kelowna. Racing since 1999, Smith’s first race in Sun Peaks was in 2000 and he has been returning to the mountain ever since. Smith will be competing in the BC Bike Race Downhill, Dunbar Summer Series Races and select BC Cup and Canada Cup Downhill races with National Championships at Sun Peaks. 

“Being part of the Sun Peaks Squad means a lot to me. I’m excited to help promote downhill racing and mountain biking alongside other passionate riders this summer,” Smith said in a press release. 

The Ambassador Stream

Brandon Dupuis, Conor Systrom, Amelia Burrill and Hiroto Takagi make up the Ambassador Stream. 

Kamloops local Brandon Dupuis is a 17-year-old adaptive mountain biker, Enduro racer, bike park and trail riding athlete who is excited to represent the Sun Peaks Resort this season. Sun Peaks has played a huge role in Dupuis’ mountain biking career. He is looking forward to sharing his experience through photography and video edits throughout the summer. 

“Sun Peaks has such a welcoming vibe combined with really high-quality riding all in one spot,” Dupuis said in a press release.  

Next on the Ambassador roster is 22-year-old Amelia Burrill from William’s Lake. She specializes in bike park and trail riding and is excited to share her authentic stories. Alongside biking in Sun Peaks, Burrill enjoys the golfing, hiking and mountain lifestyle that comes with it. 

“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,” Burrill said in a press release. 

Also joining the Ambassador Stream is Conor Systrom, a 35-year-old Downhill racer and trail rider from Boston who moved to Kamloops last fall. Systrom is excited to pair his career in the music industry with his biking edits to share his summer experience. 

“I can’t wait to kick things off with the squad on opening weekend and log some big days all summer long,” Systrom said in a press release. 

The final member of the Ambassador Stream is Hiroto Takagi, a 29-year-old Freeride and trail riding athlete. Takagi is a returning member from Kamloops. With Sun Peaks as his favourite mountain, he is excited to share his photos and stories in a meaningful way. 

“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,” Takagi said in a press release.