‘They started just like us.’ Boise Twilight Criterium a chance for BYRDS to shine
Years before competing in the 2025 Tour de France, Matteo Jorgenson and Will Barta were part of a local contingent of cyclists representing their home city at the Boise Twilight Criterium.
While the former Boise Young Rider Development Squad members are going wheel to wheel against the best in the world in Europe, the next generation of BYRDS cyclists put their skills to the test at the 38th annual criterium on Saturday in downtown Boise.
More than a dozen BYRDS cyclists raced the course along stretches of Bannock, 9th, Jefferson and 6th streets as thousands of fans cheered them on in front of the steps of the Idaho State Capitol Building.
“It’s cool to see that even just a club team in Boise can produce people who can go pro and ride on world teams,” said Sawyer Hundhausen, a 17-year-old who will be a senior at Boise High this fall.
“It’s cool to know that you don’t have to be on the best pro team when you’re 13 years old to be able to be in the Tour de France. They started just like us and are able to be there now.”
Hundhausen was the top BYRDS finisher in the women’s category 3-4 race in fourth. She was joined by teammates Natalie Miller (7th), Pearl Smith (10th) and Iris Antink (16th).
BYRDS teammate Tessa Beebe, 16, qualified for the women’s pro category 1-2 race, placing eighth overall as the youngest competitor. Beebe is the reigning Junior Women 15-16 Criterium National Champion.
“Hopefully they see that they can match up,” BYRDS founder Douglas Tobin said. “It encourages them to realize it’s a tough road. It’s very challenging. You have to be committed, but that you have opportunities and that you can be from Boise, Idaho, and have opportunities to be on the world race scene.”
Even though Barta and Jorgenson now spend most of their time racing in Europe, the two haven’t forgotten about their comrades in Boise. Both men have come back and gone on rides with the current BYRDS team.
“Seeing where they’re at now, it’s huge for everybody to see that you can just trust in the program, because they were able to get to such a high level,” said 14-year-old BYRDS cyclist Trevor Thomsen, who took fifth in the juniors race.
“Will’s come and rode with us a couple times, and so has Matteo. They’ll give us advice, and it’s really cool to ride with them, just because they’re famous in Boise, and they’re also known throughout the world.”
Jorgenson is currently 15th overall in the Tour de France standings through Stage 14, while Barta — who is competing in the race for the first time — is 94th. Both are Boise High graduates.
“I think it’s so cool that they came from the same town I do, the same school, the same team,” Smith said. “I think definitely, just personally, it makes me feel like I can do that too.”
The Boise Twilight Criterium is the fourth stop on the American Criterium Cup, a six-race national series showcasing the fastest pro riders in the country. The ACC features a $500,000 prize purse, including $11,000 each to the winners of the men’s and women’s pro races in Boise.
This story was originally published July 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM.
