US announces Nationals location
Wednesday USA Cycling released the location for the next two USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships. In July of 2011 and 2012, the Sun Valley Ski Resort in Idaho will host the Olympic-style cross country, short track, and Super D competitions.
"I have travelled the world and the US for races, and I live in the Sun Valley area of Idaho because it has some of the best trails I've ever ridden as well as a welcoming cycling community," said three-time 24-Hour Mountain Bike World Champion Rebecca Rusch. "I already know this place is world-class and I'm really looking forward to sharing what Idaho has to offer with the best cyclists in the US."
USA Cycling also announced that the downhill, four-cross and dual slalom events will be held in a separate location for the first time. The second location has not yet been decided.
"We made the decision to split the disciplines based on member feedback from all types of mountain bikers," said USA Cycling National Events Director Kelli Lusk. "This will allow both gravity and cross country athletes to compete on an ideal course in a setting specifically designed for their needs."
Breakaway Promotions will be organizing both cross country events at Sun Valley, which takes over hosting duties from Granby, Colorado.
"Breakaway Promotions is honored to be selected as the race organizer for the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Cross Country National Championships in Sun Valley,” said race director Chad Sperry. “We will create a course and competitive experience that will make this event memorable for every rider."
Canada is making the opposite change. The nation to the north has made a pattern of hosting the gravity and cross country events in separate locations, most recently with the gravity events held in Mont-Sainte-Anne this past weekend, while the cross county nationals were held in early August. In 2011, the Canadian Cycling Federation will be combining the competitions into a single event.
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