Beech Mountain Resort has been awarded a two-year contract to host USA Cycling’s Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships in 2011 and 2012.
This year’s event takes place Sept. 22-25 at the popular North Carolina High Country ski resort, making it the first time this prestigious event has been contested in the Southeast.
Beech Mountain Resort is building a world-class mountain biking facility in preparation for the championships, which will bring mountain bikers from around the country to the area.
“We are pleased to host Gravity Nationals, while also producing a facility for all mountain bike enthusiasts,” says Ryan Costin, Beech Mountain Resort’s general manager. “Beech Mountain Resort realizes the increased popularity of cycling, and the demand for a facility with lift access for cyclists.”
The new mountain bike park will be constructed to the highest standards for competitors and also be spectator friendly, providing plenty of options for family-fun activities during the event.
Christopher Herndon, a Brevard native and the 2007 Dual Slalom National Champion, is designing the course and overseeing construction. Herndon is a leader in mountain bike
course design in the Southeast.
“We feel confident that Christopher Herndon will design a unique facility ensuring that Beech Mountain Resort will produce an innovative product,” says Costin.
Beech Mountain Resort is excited to share this event with the Western North Carolina community, and is pleased to soon provide local cyclists with a mountain bike destination in their backyard.
“There is a lot of untapped terrain on Beech Mountain, ultimately providing a unique facility for Gravity Nationals,” said Shaw Brown of Boone Bike and Touring.
Michael Thomas, a Boone resident and 2008 and 2009 collegiate downhill champion, said: “This will be the first time that the National Championships have ever been held in the South, and it’s a big step forward in the progression of downhill racing here. We have great mountains to ride in, but actual downhill specific trails have been limited until now.”
To find out more about USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity Nationals, visit www.skibeech.com, or call (828) 387-2011, extension 204.
Contact
- Craig Distl
- (704) 466-3744
