The official courses for the 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike
National Championships have been revealed by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge,
Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke. The championship races will take
place at Carvins Cove, Elmwood Park and Explore Park from July 14 – 20. Over
1,900 elite cyclists are expected to participate.
“We’re excited to bring our very biggest National Championship to
Roanoke, and to continue building on its identity as such a special community for bike racers and recreational cyclists alike,” said USA Cycling CEO Brendan Quirk. “The beauty of the roads and trails, and the Virginian hospitality makes it a total joy to be back.”
To support the local cycling community and sustainability efforts, USA
Cycling is partnering with the Local Organizing Committee’s Visit Virginia’s
Blue Ridge Foundation to add a $10 trails fee to each participant’s registration.
The money will directly support local trail building and maintenance efforts.
“Being selected to host this national championship is a true honor for
Roanoke and the entire region,” said City of Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb. “This
choice cements Roanoke’s reputation as a top-tier mountain bike destination. We
are thrilled to welcome all the athletes who are journeying from around the
country to compete here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
“It’s special to see Olympic-level athletes on the same trails our residents
enjoy every day,” said Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair Phil
North. “It highlights the world-class quality of our outdoor amenities and gives us
a chance to showcase the best of our region, where mountains meet adventure.”
USA Cycling CEO Brendan Quirk added, “We’re so grateful for
Roanoke’s commitment to the sport of cycling. Its investments in supporting USA
Cycling National Championships and in the Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28
team over the years have established it as one of America’s most important
communities for road, mountain, cyclocross and gravel cycling.”
“This world-class event would not be possible without the collaboration
between the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and their fantastic parks and
recreation teams,” said Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge President Landon. “Thanks to
our community’s passion and hard work, over 1,900 athletes and their families
will get to experience why Virginia’s Blue Ridge is America’s East Coast
Mountain Biking Capital.”
USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships Schedule: July 14 – 20, 2025
Monday, July 14 – Cross Country Marathon – Carvins Cove |Hollins University
Tuesday, July 15 – Rest/Practice Day
Wednesday, July 16 – Short Track – Elmwood Park | Downtown Roanoke
Thursday, July 17 – Short Track – Elmwood Park | Downtown Roanoke
Friday, July 18 – Cross Country Olympic – Explore Park | Roanoke County
Saturday, July 19 – Cross Country Olympic – Explore Park | Roanoke County
Sunday, July 20 – Cross Country Olympic – Explore Park | Roanoke County
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, making this the first time a
short track championship has taken place in a downtown core with urban
features.
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.
For more information visit https://www.visitroanokeva.com/usamtb/
