Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals Planned for Beech Mountain

This weekend, North Carolina's Beech Mountain will set the stage for collegiate cyclists to compete in their second national championship event of the 2013-2014 collegiate cycling season – the 2013 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships.

The three-day event (Oct. 25-27) will see men and women in Divisions I and II race for national titles in cross-country, short track cross-country, dual slalom, downhill, and team relay competitions. On the final day, individual omnium and team omnium champs will be crowned – making for 24 national championship titles in all.

Beech Mountain is fresh off of its first summer of bike operations. As the highest resort in the eastern United States, it has a diverse and unique trail system that should provide an exciting backdrop for some spirited rivalry.

SCHEDULE: Racing will kick off on Friday with downhill qualifying and the short track cross-country contests. Saturday will feature the cross-country and downhill competitions. Action will conclude on Sunday with the dual slalom and team relay events. Click here for a complete schedule.

THE RIVALRIES: Fort Lewis College will look to defend its team omnium in Division I while Brevard College will compete as defending champion in Division II.

In Division I, be on the look-out for all-around women riders Jill Behlen (Boulder, Colo./University of Wyoming), Linnea Dixson (Steamboat Springs, Colo./University of Wyoming), and Eva Wilson (Kensington, N.H./Colorado State University). Additionally, Lauren Catlin (Fairfax, Calif./Fort Lewis College) and Brittany Clawson (Sandpoint, Idaho/Fort Lewis College) will ride strong as they look to repeat their respective cross-country and downhill victories from 2012. On the men's side of Division I, keep an eye on Zach Graveson (Pagosa Springs, Colo./Fort Lewis College) and Garret Lundberg (Fort Lewis College).

Highlighting the start lists in Division II will be Alexis Skarda (Boulder, Colo./Colorado Mesa University), Owen Tulip (North Conway, NH/Western State Colorado University), Wesley Lamberson (Limestone, Tenn./Union College of Kentucky), and Kara Uhl (Smithville, Texas/Union College of Kentucky).

For more information, including results, schedule, photo gallery, omnium standings and more, please visit the official event webpage.

Follow @USACCollegiate and use hashtag #CollNats to keep up with the event on Twitter.

About USA Cycling: Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 74,500+ licensees; 2,800+ clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions over 3,150 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit www.usacycling.org.