The 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, originally scheduled for October 24-27 at Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia, North Carolina, will be moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, November 14-17, 2024. Registration opened on October 31, 2024, at 10:00 am CT.
“We’re excited to still be able to host Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals this year, despite the postponement due to Hurricane Helene. We understand how much training and racing these collegiate athletes have done leading up to this point, so we’re glad they will have the opportunity to still compete at nationals this semester. Bentonville has stepped up in a huge way to help us make this happen,” said Kyle Knott, USA Cycling’s Director of National Events.
“We are honored to welcome the 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championship to Bentonville,” said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “It is unfortunate that the event was unable to proceed in North Carolina due to the impact of the hurricane and our heart goes out to them. We are fully committed to supporting these talented athletes and ensuring they have a memorable experience here. Bentonville is ready to provide a warm welcome along with an exciting weekend of competition and fun.”
Spectator Information
Spectators at the Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals in Bentonville, Arkansas, are in for an immersive and thrilling experience, with prime views of high-stakes cycling against the beautiful fall foliage of the Ozarks. Bentonville’s renowned trail system offers natural amphitheaters, sharp descents, and intense switchbacks that put fans close to the action, letting them witness every twist and sprint as riders tackle the challenging terrain. With designated spectator zones and easy access to key points along the course, attendees can experience the energy of collegiate competition up close and cheer on riders as they push toward the finish line.
Beyond the races, Bentonville offers a unique atmosphere with plenty of options for fans to enjoy the weekend. Between events, spectators can explore local food trucks, artisan coffee shops, and pop-up events celebrating the area’s cycling culture. The town’s vibrant art scene and attractions like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art add an extra dimension, making the weekend an ideal mix of adrenaline-fueled sports and leisurely exploration. With bike-friendly paths linking spectators to various race points and local venues, the Nationals promise an engaging experience both on and off the trails.
Visitors can plan their trip to Bentonville at the Visit Bentonville website.
The competition will be held at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, with different areas used each day. The previous link provides parking and access information. If you’re attending the event but also want to enjoy your own ride, we suggest checking out the nearby Slaughter Pen Trails or the Back 40/Little Sugar Trails.
Read about what U.S. Olympic champions Haley Batten and Christopher Blevins have said regarding their experiences riding in the Bentonville area during their last visit to Northwest Arkansas.
The event will crown Varsity and Club National Champions in Cross-Country, Short Track, Downhill, Dual Slalom, and Team Relay. An Omnium National Title will also be awarded to the best overall Varsity and Club teams at the end of the weekend. Spectators can expect four action-packed days of racing. The marquee events include:
- Thursday: Dual Slalom finals and awards.
- Friday: Cross-Country finals and awards.
- Saturday: Short Track finals and awards.
- Sunday: Downhill finals and awards. Team Relay finals and awards.
The full race schedule can be found here.
For event updates and additional resources, refer to the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships event page as it will continue to be updated leading into the event.
