Welcome to the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! The best endurance mountain bikers in the country are about to descend on the region for a week of competition, grit, and community. This spectator guide has all you need to know.

TLDR/cliff notes: Expect amazing racing all week, but if you want the top events, choose: Thursday night for Elite Short Track, and Saturday afternoon for Elite Cross Country. Bring your water bottle & cowbells.

Schedule & Daily Previews

Event Dates: July 12-19 | Roanoke, VA

Good to Know About Endurance Mountain Biking

USA Cycling Mountain Biking - Elmwood Park - Roanoke, VA

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the sport, wanting to show your support for Roanoke’s outdoor community, or just here for a good time; we’ve created a guide with everything you need to know to enjoy the action.

The Three Disciplines

Cross-Country Marathon (XCM)
This is the longest, most grueling format of the week. Riders tackle 40+ miles of rugged backcountry trails, racing for multiple hours over steep climbs and rocky singletrack. It’s all about endurance, pacing, and managing technical terrain deep in the woods. 

Carvins Cove is the Marathon venue, and it’s renowned for offering miles and miles of the best of Roanoke’s single-track riding.

Short Track (XCC)
Fast, furious, and fan-friendly, short track racing happens on a compact 1–2km loop. Racers go full gas for about 20 minutes, and it’s nonstop action—perfect for spectators who want to be close to the chaos. 

Elmwood Park is the Short Track venue, and last year's participants raved about the awesome atmosphere that was created with an exciting course and high-energy crowds.

Cross-Country Olympic (XCO)
This is the marquee format you’ve seen in the Olympics: a ~90-minute race on a 4–5km loop with sharp climbs, drops, and switchbacks. Riders lap through the spectator zone multiple times, giving you front-row views of the world-class skill and speed. 

Explore Park is the Cross Country venue, and it’s the top spot for adventurous rides.

Pro Tips for Spectators

  • Bring a chair, water bottle, cowbell, and snacks (though vendors will be onsite).
  • Download Trail Maps for Carvins Cove and Explore Park if you want to explore the trails between races.
  • Pack for the weather: It’s July in Virginia—expect sun, heat, and the occasional pop-up storm.
  • Don’t block the course: Stay behind tape lines and listen to marshals—it’s for your safety and the riders’.

🗓️ Daily Preview: What to See & Where to Go

Sunday, July 12th: Marathon (XCM) at Carvins Cove

USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships - Hollins University - Roanoke, VA

The week kicks off with the Cross-Country Marathon at Carvins Cove, one of the largest municipal parks in the country and a true gem of the Blue Ridge.

First-timer tips: The majority of this race is remote, so to catch the biggest action: 

  • Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the start/finish area at Hollins University.
    - Watch the Start from 7:00 AM thru 9:30 AM
    - Watch the Finish from 9:30 AM on.
  • Those familiar with the Cove and not afraid of a little hike/bike can catch some action at the aid stations at the red barn and bottom of Gauntlet. (Fair warning: usual parking access will be very limited near both locations.)

Parking for the Start/Finish area: Hollins University - 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24020. Be sure to follow officials and volunteer instructions to safely navigate to parking.

Come early for access to the best spots. If you arrive during start windows (6:30-9:30 AM), you’ll be shown to other parking areas further away. 

Monday & Tuesday, July 13-14th: Rest/Practice Day

Roanoke River Floatilla

If you’re visiting and looking for a good way to spend a day in Virginia's Blue Ridge, we have some suggestions!

Float the Roanoke River: Cool down and enjoy a relaxing float on the Roanoke River Blueway. Roanoke Mountain Adventures is located on the Roanoke River Greenway & Blueway in the charming Wasena Neighborhood and offers tube & kayak rentals, as well as bike rentals. Book your float >

Virginia Museum of Transportation: Located in Downtown Roanoke, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is an impressive display of Roanoke's rich railroad history. The museum features a railyard with an impressive collection of locomotives, many of which were designed and built at Norfolk & Western's shops in Roanoke. VMT Website >

Center in the Square: Downtown Roanoke's Center in the Square houses multiple museums and attractions that are great experiences for visitors, particularly if you're traveling with children. Keep everyone entertained with visits to the KIDS Square Children's Museum, Roanoke STARCADE, Roanoke Pinball Museum, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. The facility also features exhibits and aquariums in the lobby, as well as a rooftop that offers patio dining and gorgeous views of the skyline and surrounding mountains. Center in the Square Website >

Mill Mountain Park: As home to the mountain biking national championships, it only makes sense that Roanoke would have a mountain located within its city limits. Mill Mountain Park is located just minutes from Downtown Roanoke and offers a variety of fun things to do and experiences, including the Mill Mountain Zoo, iconic Roanoke Star & Overlook, and an impressive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking. After your visit to the park, grab a delicious sweet treat at Blue Cow Ice Cream, located at the base of the mountain. Mill Mountain Park Info >

Wednesday, July 15th: XCC Begins at Elmwood Park 

USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships - Elmwood Park - Downtown Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke is the place to be midweek as Short Track (XCC) racing transforms Elmwood Park into a mountain biking party like you’ve never seen.

First-timer tips: This a great first MTB Race to watch —lap after lap, passes, crashes, and sprints happen right in front of you. Also, the location makes it convenient to catch a quick race without having to commit your whole day.

  • All day: Racing runs through the afternoon into evening, making it a perfect lunchtime or after-work stop.
  • Walkable and close to virtually all of downtown Roanoke’s local restaurants and breweries.

Parking: Use street parking or the Elmwood Park Garage (enter via Tazewell Ave). You’re steps from the action. 

Nearby Food & Drink: Eat & Drink local!

  • Onsite: Visit the food trucks next to the mainstage and local brews will be on tap starting at 2pm each day (head to the top of the hill for the bar on the rocks!). BYO Water bottle to stay hydrated at the water station.
  • Short Walk via Jefferson or Williamson Road: Find tons of Downtown Roanoke restaurants.
    - The downtown Roanoke Co+Op is located about 1 block from Elmwood Park, so it’s a great spot to grab some fruit, protein, etc.
    - Fruits and Roots is another healthy option (smoothies, acai/smoothie bowls, fresh pressed juice, etc.)
    - Downtown Roanoke breweries (7 within a 1-mile radius): Olde Salem Brewing (downtown Roanoke location), Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery, Golden Cactus Brewing, Big Lick Brewing Co, Blindhouse Beer, A Few Old Goats Brewing Co. (Roanoke location), and Twisted Track Brewing.

Thursday, July 16th: XCC Elite/Pro Finals at Elmwood Park

USA Cycling Mountain Biking National Championships - Roanoke, VA

The downtown showdown continues with the Pro Short Track Finals, where strategy and speed collide in front of a roaring crowd.

  • SERIOUSLY, DON’T MISS THIS: The Elite/Pros short track championship goes off tonight - and it’s likely to be the most electric hour of racing all week. Arrive by 6:00 PM. The Women race at 6:30PM and Elite Men race at 7:00PM.
  • You’ll see attacks, wheel-to-wheel battles, and explosive finishes.

Parking & Food: Same as Wednesday. Stick around for podium ceremonies, music, and beer garden.

First-timer tip: Stand near a switchback or climb for the best action. Riders loop by every few minutes, and the final sprint will blow your mind.

Friday, July 17th: XCO Amateur and U23 Races Begin at Explore Park

The weekend races head 15 mins down the road to Roanoke County's Explore Park, a forested paradise off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  • U23 and age group categories start their Cross-Country (XCO) races on a challenging, technical course.
  • The atmosphere is relaxed but exciting—families, leashed dogs, and trail snacks welcome.

Parking: Free at Explore Park. Use either the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance (milepost 115) or Rutrough Road.

First-timer tip: Spectator access is easy—walk to the feed zone or catch the action from the Expo & Twin Creeks Brewery. The loop format means you’ll see riders every 10–15 minutes.

Nearby Food & Drink: Twin Creeks Brewpub will be open on-site.  We would also suggest dining options in downtown Vinton: Pok–E–Joe’s BBQ, Absolutely Delicious, RND Coffee (Vinton location), Dogwood Restaurant, La Casa Del Burrito, HCK Hot Chicken

Saturday, July 18 – XCO Elite/Pro Day at Explore Park

USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championship - Explore Park - Roanoke, VA

This is the main event for mountain bike fans.

  • The Elite Women (11:45AM) and Men’s (1:30PM) Cross-Country races are the highlight of the week for many. 
  • Expect the fiercest competition, most spectators, and full event village.

First-timer tip: Stay near the Expo & Twin Creeks and listen for signs that the finish is coming. Then, you’re going to want to follow the crowd to the finish area and get ready to cheer. 

Parking: Free onsite, but it will fill up and backup parking will be available along the Blue Ridge Parkway leading to the park. Shuttles will run throughout the day. Bring water, sun protection, and good walking shoes.

Sunday, July 19 – Juniors, Masters, and Final Races

The week wraps up with a celebration of the sport's future and legacy.

  • Juniors (ages 15–16), Masters (40+), and last-chance qualifiers round out the day.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere with Twin Creeks brewery, sponsor booths, and local vendors.

Parking: See Saturday.

First-timer tip: Don’t underestimate these riders—some of the fiercest races of the week happen here, with everything on the line.

Nearby Food & Drink: See Friday.

🎉 See You at the Start Line

Whether you’re a die-hard cycling fan or just curious to see what mountain biking at the national level looks like, Roanoke’s natural beauty and passionate community make this weeklong event something truly special. Come ready to cheer, explore, and maybe even get inspired to ride.

Be sure to use the #mtbnats hashtag in your posts so we can see how much you’re loving the races!

This guide was created in collaboration between Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge & the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

Additional Event Info & Links