Roanoke, VA – June 24, 2024 — Virginia’s Blue Ridge is slated to host the 2025 and 2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships. This event will be a collaboration between the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and Hollins University, consisting of seven days of racing events with over 1,500 athletes competing for national titles. 

“We’re still buzzing from the experience of hosting the 2022 and 2023 Amateur Road National Championships there,” said Brendan Quirk, USA Cycling’s President and CEO. “And now, with this exciting announcement of the Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships, it’s evident why Virginia’s Blue Ridge is one of America’s foremost cycling destinations,” continued Quirk.

"We are thrilled that Virginia's Blue Ridge has been selected as the host destination for the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in 2025 & 2026. This prestigious event will help build on our already shining reputation as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital,” said Landon Howard, president of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

These athletes will compete through the trails of Explore Park, Elmwood Park, and Carvins Cove, offering a wide variety of landscapes throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge. 

“Elmwood Park is a true gem in the heart of Roanoke, offering a perfect blend of central location, beautiful green spaces, and modern facilities,” said Mayor Sherman P. Lea. “Our careful planning ensures minimal traffic impacts, so both the cycling event and downtown Roanoke remain easily accessible for residents and visitors. This event highlights our commitment to making outdoor recreation a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

"We are thrilled to host a national cycling event at Explore Park,” said Chairman Phil North of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our unique outdoor amenities and the warm hospitality of our community.”

This multi-day event will combine Cross-Country and Marathon Mountain Bike events, inspiring an assortment of mountain biking enthusiasts to travel to the region for one exhilarating race week. 

“With an estimated $2.2 million in direct visitor spending, this event will not only highlight our beautiful trails and vibrant community but also contribute significantly to our local economy. We are excited to welcome USA Cycling and its athletes, from enthusiasts to professionals, for this historic week-long championship," said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Media Contact
Kathryn Lucas (Director of Public Relations)
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
klucas@visitvbr.com
540-342-6025 ext. 129

About Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR)
Visit VBR is the official destination marketing organization for Virginia’s Blue Ridge which includes the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke. The region is easily accessible via the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), Interstate 81, and Amtrak’s northeast regional route. Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing a metro mountain mix of exciting outdoor adventure with refined culture.  For more information, go to www.VisitVBR.com.