The excitement is building as USA Cycling announces that the 2023 Gravity Mountain Bike National Championship will take place from July 12-16 at Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia, N.C. This event will feature stars-and-stripes up for grabs in Downhill, Dual Slalom, and Enduro racing for professional and age-group categories. The event will remain at Ride Rock Creek for 2024.
USA Cycling is proud to bring the National Championship to the new premier downhill mountain biking venue Ride Rock Creek Mountain Bike Park in the southeast. Founded by National Team athlete and professional downhill mountain bike racer, Neko Mulally, the park was built in 2022 on a 300-acre plot on the edge of the infamous DuPont State Forest.
“We’re excited to bring another mountain bike national championship back to the east coast. We are eager to see the development and growing community at Ride Rock Creek and know this will be a great new addition to our National Championship venues with newly built dual slalom course and enduro stages,” said Tara McCarthy, Director of National Events at USA Cycling.
Ride Rock Creek is a state-of-the-art mountain bike park that offers thrilling trails for all levels of riders. With a passion for building racetracks, Mulally and his team at Ride Rock Creek are proud to showcase their vision by working with USA Cycling to produce the 2023 and 2024 Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships.
“Creating a venue to host large scale cycling events was our vision from the start at Rock Creek,” said Mulally. “I can’t think of a better way to put that into action than working with USA Cycling to produce the 2023 and 2024 Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships. Building racetracks is our passion, and we’re proud to have the nation’s best competing on our trails.”
The Gravity Mountain Bike National Championship is a highly anticipated event that draws riders from across the country. With Ride Rock Creek’s reputation as a premier mountain bike park, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators.
Whether you are a professional rider or a fan of the sport, mark your calendars for July 12-16, 2023, and come experience the thrill of the Gravity Mountain Bike National Championship at Ride Rock Creek.
In addition to the National Championship, the National Downhill Series will kick off on March 25 with three stops. Races will take place at Windrock Bike Park, Mountain Creek, and Killington.
| Event | Dates | Location |
| Tennessee National | March 25-26 | Oak Ridge, Tenn. |
| Mountain Creek Spring National | May 25-28 | Vernon, N.J. |
| Fox US Open of Mountain Biking | September 21-24 | Killington, Vt. |
For more information on the National Downhill Series (NDHS), click here.
Why is the Downhill National MTB Race such a big deal?
The Downhill National MTB (Mountain Bike) race is a big deal for several reasons:
- Prestige: As a national-level event, the Downhill National MTB race attracts top riders from across the country, making it an important and prestigious competition. Winning or placing well in this race can lead to significant recognition, sponsorship opportunities, and career advancements for the athletes.
- Technical Challenge: Downhill mountain biking is a highly demanding discipline that requires a unique combination of physical strength, technical skill, and mental focus. The courses in the Downhill National MTB race are usually designed to test riders’ abilities to their limits, featuring steep descents, jumps, drops, and other challenging obstacles. This makes the race an exciting spectacle for fans and a true test of skill for riders.
- Community and Culture: The Downhill National MTB race is an important event for the mountain biking community, as it brings together riders, fans, and industry professionals from across the nation. The race often serves as a showcase for the latest trends and innovations in mountain biking, as well as a celebration of the sport’s unique culture and camaraderie.
- Media Coverage: As a major event in the mountain biking calendar, the Downhill National MTB race typically receives significant media coverage, both within the mountain biking world and in broader sports publications. This exposure helps to raise the profile of the sport, attract new fans and participants, and generate interest and investment from sponsors and industry stakeholders.
- Talent Development: The competitive nature of the Downhill National MTB race also serves as an important platform for identifying and nurturing talented riders. Young and up-and-coming athletes have the opportunity to compete against established professionals, gain valuable experience, and showcase their abilities on a national stage. This can help to foster the development of the next generation of mountain biking stars.
Overall, the Downhill National MTB race is a big deal because it represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, serves as a showcase for the best talent and innovation in the field, and plays a crucial role in fostering community, culture, and development within the mountain biking world.
