Team USA

Mountain Bike

About Mountain Bike

Modern off-road cycling began in the late 1970’s in Northern California and today it serves as a popular form of both recreation and competition. Mountain biking encompasses many different formats including Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Short Track (XCC), Downhill (DHI), Eliminator (XCE), Marathon (XCM), and E-Bike on the national and international stage. Mountain biking is one of the most fun and liberating forms of bike riding, and is engaging for riders of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Cross Country

Also known as XCO for Cross-Country Olympic, this endurance-oriented event is a mass-start competition, divided by category or ability, which typically features 100-150 riders competing over rough terrain including everything from unpaved fire roads to technical singletrack filled with rocks, roots and ruts. A typical elite-level mountain bike race lasts approximately two hours and ranges from 15-30 miles.

A common cross-country mountain bike course includes significant elevation gain and tricky descents. To accommodate the off-road conditions, competitors’ bikes are equipped with wide, knobby tires for better traction and suspension systems to soften the impact of riding over uneven terrain. Bike-handling skills, a keen sense of awareness, and an element of bravery are all vital characteristics of a successful cross-country mountain bike racer.

Short Track

Short Track racing, known internationally as XCC (Cross-Country Circuit), is similar to a criterium or circuit race in road cycling. The discipline was introduced as a more spectator-friendly form of cross-country mountain biking. Traversing rough and often steep terrain with other challenging course features, a Short Track race typically only lasts 20 minutes as competitors start and finish fast.

Marathon

Ultra-endurance racing comes in many forms but is best described as off-road racing that covers longer-than-normal distances and/or lasts for several hours or more. Held on cross-country courses, marathon races are 100 kilometers long or more.

Downhill

One of the many “gravity” styles of racing, downhill is exactly as it sounds. Competitors ride the lift to the top and descend the face of a mountain in an individual race against the clock, only timed on the way down. The rider with the fastest time is declared the winner. Some of mountain biking’s most advanced technology comes from the discipline of downhill racing. Riders compete on bikes that have full suspension systems which allow them to experience a smoother ride as they descend down rocky trails, jumps, and drop-offs.

Dual Slalom

Dual slalom features two riders competing head-to-head against each other in another “gravity style of racing. Similar to the slalom events in downhill ski racing, competitors must weave themselves in and out of gates while descending the face of a hill. A course will typically have two identical runs – red and blue – with the same features, including berms, rollers, and doubles. After the first heat, riders switch lanes and descend the hill a second time. After each rider competes on the red and blue course, his or her times are added together and the rider with the lowest cumulative time advances to the next round, while the other is eliminated. The bracket continues until one person is crowned the winner.

Four-Cross

Also referred to as mountain cross, four-cross replaced dual slalom on the international circuit in 2002. In the four-cross event, gravity riders are seeded into four-person brackets following an individual seeding run. Once seeded into their respective brackets, riders descend a technical, downhill course with tight turns, berms, and jumps. Riders start four-wide and descend the course simultaneously after the start gate drops. From there, the idea is simple: the top two riders in each heat advance to the next round while the others are eliminated from contention.

Enduro

Enduro is a mix between a gravity event and an endurance event, linking technical downhill trails with flat and uphill sections typically found at a cross-country race. Enduro races can have anywhere from 4-10 stages spanning over a day or two. In these events, only the downhill sections are timed, but riders are required to pedal to each stage sometimes climbing steep terrain. A rider's stage times are added together to create an overall time. Competitors typically choose bikes that allow for the bike-handling capabilities required of a downhill racer, but also don't prohibit sustained climbing.

    Join The Team

    The National Team is a representation of the top MTB athletes in the USA. These athletes have risen to the top of the field by progressing through the development pathway provided by USA Cycling. The objective of the mountain bike pathway is to provide talented young athletes with the education and opportunities to compete on the world stage. We accomplish this by supporting top development athletes at skills camps, training camps and international competition. These opportunities allow motivated athletes to develop the necessary skill sets and physiological adaptations required to excel at an international level. Once a rider has achieved a spot on the National Team, they have access to world class education, support, guidance and opportunities to succeed on the professional and Olympic stage.

    Get Involved

    Join A Club

    Compete Locally

    Join A Camp

    Prepare & Train

    Compete Nationally

    Compete Internationally

    Athlete Development Pathway

    USA Cycling’s Athlete Development Pathway defines structured development tiers with multiple levels of programming for athletes in their journey to the USA Cycling National Team. The Athlete Development Pathway leads program design both at the club and national levels, all while educating parents and athletes about the multiple opportunities available to them on their journey from local results to international achievement.

    Regional Camps - LEARN MORE

    2024 Schedule

    DATELOCATIONCAMP DIRECTORREGISTRATION
    February 17-19Seattle, WAKBP CoachingREGISTER
    June 17-22Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER
    June 24-28Spokane, WAKBP CoachingREGISTER
    June 24-29Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER
    July 1-6Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER
    July 10-14Storrs, CT (Uconn)CCAPREGISTER
    July 14-19Gunnison, COWestern Colorado UniversityREGISTER
    July 21-26Gunnison, COWestern Colorado UniversityREGISTER
    July 22-27Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER


    What is the National Team Designation?

    USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

    Do you have what it takes to be a part of the team? Click here to view the 2025 National Team Criteria.


    MEET THE TEAM

    MTB XCE WORLDS
    Mountain Bike Cross-Country Eliminator World Championships

    July 13, 2024

    Aalen, Germany

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    MTB XCO WORLD
    Mountain Bike World Championships

    August 28 - September 1, 2024

    Pal Arinsal, Andorra

    XCO/XCC/XCR/E-MTB/DHI

    For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI MTB World Championships

    XCO, XCC, XCR SELECTION CRITERIA

    XCO DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    DHI SELECTION CRITERIA

    DHI DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    E-MTB SELECTION CRITERIA

    E-MTB DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    Enduro Workds 1x1
    Mountain Bike Enduro World Championships

    September 14-15, 2024

    Val di Fassa Trentino, Italy

    selection criteria

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    Card Grid 430x430 DH
    Pan American Continental Downhill MTB Championships

    September 26-29, 2024

    El Salvador

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    MTB XCO PAN AM GAMES
    Mountain Bike Cross-Country Marathon World Championships

    September 21-22, 2024

    Snowshoe, West Virginia

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    MTB WORLD CUP
    Mountain Bike World Series

    2024 Schedule

    APR 12-14: MAIRIPORÃ, BRA (XCO, XCC)

    APR 19-21: ARAXÁ, BRA (XCO, XCC)

    MAY 03-05: FORT WILLIAM, GBR (DHI)

    MAY 10-12: FINALE, ITA (END)

    MAY 17-19: BIELSKO-BIALA, POL (DHI, END)

    MAY 24-26: NOVÉ MÉSTO, CZE (XCO, XCC, XCM)

    JUN 07-09: LEOGANG , AUT (DHI, END)

    JUN 14-16: VAL DI SOLE, TRENTINO, ITA (XCO, XCC, DHI)

    JUN 21-23: CRANS-MONTANA, VALAIS, SUI (XCO, XCC)

    JUN 28-JUL 07: HAUTE-SAVOIE, FRA (XCO, XCC, XCM, DHI, END)

    JUL 12-14: BELLWALD, VALAIS, SUI (END)

    SEP 06-08: LOUDENVIELLE, FRA (DHI, END)

    SEP 27-29: LAKE PLACID, USA (XCO, XCC, XCM)

    OCT 04-06: MONT-SAINTE-ANNE, CAN (XCO, XCC, DHI)

    For more information on the Enduro World Series Athlete Eligibility and Registration, please visit: UCI Mountain Bike World Series

    Athlete Eligibility, Registration, and Petition Process

    National Team MTB 700x700
    Mountain Bike National Team Programs

    USA Cycling is committed to Junior and U23 Development Programs. We are constantly on the look out for talent and are recruiting for these programs. Review the document below for more information on the selection process.

    SELECTION GUIDELINES

    XCM PAN AM
    UCI Junior Series XCO

    There are UCI requirements in place in order to compete in the UCI Junior Series for XCO. The link below will explain the UCI Athlete Entry System and Criteria, the Athlete Guiding Principles, and the Event Deadlines

    LEARN MORE

    Selection Process

    USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ATHLETE EVENT SELECTION PROCESS

    Selection Committee

    The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.

    Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.

    The Mountain Bike Selection Committee is as follows:

    • Howard Grotts - 10 Year Athlete; 2016 Olympian
    • Jan Bolland Tanner - 1991 TTT Pan Am Games Champion; 1992 TTT World Champion; US National Cyclocross Champion
    • USA Cycling Discipline Director

    All members of the Selection Committee and USA Cycling Sport Performance staff participating in a selection must comply with USA Cycling’s Statement of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.

    About Mountain Bike

    Modern off-road cycling began in the late 1970’s in Northern California and today it serves as a popular form of both recreation and competition. Mountain biking encompasses many different formats including Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Short Track (XCC), Downhill (DHI), Eliminator (XCE), Marathon (XCM), and E-Bike on the national and international stage. Mountain biking is one of the most fun and liberating forms of bike riding, and is engaging for riders of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

    Cross Country

    Also known as XCO for Cross-Country Olympic, this endurance-oriented event is a mass-start competition, divided by category or ability, which typically features 100-150 riders competing over rough terrain including everything from unpaved fire roads to technical singletrack filled with rocks, roots and ruts. A typical elite-level mountain bike race lasts approximately two hours and ranges from 15-30 miles.

    A common cross-country mountain bike course includes significant elevation gain and tricky descents. To accommodate the off-road conditions, competitors’ bikes are equipped with wide, knobby tires for better traction and suspension systems to soften the impact of riding over uneven terrain. Bike-handling skills, a keen sense of awareness, and an element of bravery are all vital characteristics of a successful cross-country mountain bike racer.

    Short Track

    Short Track racing, known internationally as XCC (Cross-Country Circuit), is similar to a criterium or circuit race in road cycling. The discipline was introduced as a more spectator-friendly form of cross-country mountain biking. Traversing rough and often steep terrain with other challenging course features, a Short Track race typically only lasts 20 minutes as competitors start and finish fast.

    Marathon

    Ultra-endurance racing comes in many forms but is best described as off-road racing that covers longer-than-normal distances and/or lasts for several hours or more. Held on cross-country courses, marathon races are 100 kilometers long or more.

    Downhill

    One of the many “gravity” styles of racing, downhill is exactly as it sounds. Competitors ride the lift to the top and descend the face of a mountain in an individual race against the clock, only timed on the way down. The rider with the fastest time is declared the winner. Some of mountain biking’s most advanced technology comes from the discipline of downhill racing. Riders compete on bikes that have full suspension systems which allow them to experience a smoother ride as they descend down rocky trails, jumps, and drop-offs.

    Dual Slalom

    Dual slalom features two riders competing head-to-head against each other in another “gravity style of racing. Similar to the slalom events in downhill ski racing, competitors must weave themselves in and out of gates while descending the face of a hill. A course will typically have two identical runs – red and blue – with the same features, including berms, rollers, and doubles. After the first heat, riders switch lanes and descend the hill a second time. After each rider competes on the red and blue course, his or her times are added together and the rider with the lowest cumulative time advances to the next round, while the other is eliminated. The bracket continues until one person is crowned the winner.

    Four-Cross

    Also referred to as mountain cross, four-cross replaced dual slalom on the international circuit in 2002. In the four-cross event, gravity riders are seeded into four-person brackets following an individual seeding run. Once seeded into their respective brackets, riders descend a technical, downhill course with tight turns, berms, and jumps. Riders start four-wide and descend the course simultaneously after the start gate drops. From there, the idea is simple: the top two riders in each heat advance to the next round while the others are eliminated from contention.

    Enduro

    Enduro is a mix between a gravity event and an endurance event, linking technical downhill trails with flat and uphill sections typically found at a cross-country race. Enduro races can have anywhere from 4-10 stages spanning over a day or two. In these events, only the downhill sections are timed, but riders are required to pedal to each stage sometimes climbing steep terrain. A rider's stage times are added together to create an overall time. Competitors typically choose bikes that allow for the bike-handling capabilities required of a downhill racer, but also don't prohibit sustained climbing.

      Join The Team

      The National Team is a representation of the top MTB athletes in the USA. These athletes have risen to the top of the field by progressing through the development pathway provided by USA Cycling. The objective of the mountain bike pathway is to provide talented young athletes with the education and opportunities to compete on the world stage. We accomplish this by supporting top development athletes at skills camps, training camps and international competition. These opportunities allow motivated athletes to develop the necessary skill sets and physiological adaptations required to excel at an international level. Once a rider has achieved a spot on the National Team, they have access to world class education, support, guidance and opportunities to succeed on the professional and Olympic stage.

      Get Involved

      Join A Club

      Compete Locally

      Join A Camp

      Prepare & Train

      Compete Nationally

      Compete Internationally

      Athlete Development Pathway

      USA Cycling’s Athlete Development Pathway defines structured development tiers with multiple levels of programming for athletes in their journey to the USA Cycling National Team. The Athlete Development Pathway leads program design both at the club and national levels, all while educating parents and athletes about the multiple opportunities available to them on their journey from local results to international achievement.

      Regional Camps - LEARN MORE

      2024 Schedule

      DATELOCATIONCAMP DIRECTORREGISTRATION
      February 17-19Seattle, WAKBP CoachingREGISTER
      June 17-22Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER
      June 24-28Spokane, WAKBP CoachingREGISTER
      June 24-29Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER
      July 1-6Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER
      July 10-14Storrs, CT (Uconn)CCAPREGISTER
      July 14-19Gunnison, COWestern Colorado UniversityREGISTER
      July 21-26Gunnison, COWestern Colorado UniversityREGISTER
      July 22-27Mars Hill, NCMars HillREGISTER


      What is the National Team Designation?

      USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

      Do you have what it takes to be a part of the team? Click here to view the 2025 National Team Criteria.


      MEET THE TEAM

      MTB XCE WORLDS
      Mountain Bike Cross-Country Eliminator World Championships

      July 13, 2024

      Aalen, Germany

      SELECTION CRITERIA

      DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      MTB XCO WORLD
      Mountain Bike World Championships

      August 28 - September 1, 2024

      Pal Arinsal, Andorra

      XCO/XCC/XCR/E-MTB/DHI

      For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI MTB World Championships

      XCO, XCC, XCR SELECTION CRITERIA

      XCO DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      DHI SELECTION CRITERIA

      DHI DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      E-MTB SELECTION CRITERIA

      E-MTB DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      Enduro Workds 1x1
      Mountain Bike Enduro World Championships

      September 14-15, 2024

      Val di Fassa Trentino, Italy

      selection criteria

      DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      Card Grid 430x430 DH
      Pan American Continental Downhill MTB Championships

      September 26-29, 2024

      El Salvador

      SELECTION CRITERIA

      DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      MTB XCO PAN AM GAMES
      Mountain Bike Cross-Country Marathon World Championships

      September 21-22, 2024

      Snowshoe, West Virginia

      SELECTION CRITERIA

      DISCRETIONARY PETITION

      MTB WORLD CUP
      Mountain Bike World Series

      2024 Schedule

      APR 12-14: MAIRIPORÃ, BRA (XCO, XCC)

      APR 19-21: ARAXÁ, BRA (XCO, XCC)

      MAY 03-05: FORT WILLIAM, GBR (DHI)

      MAY 10-12: FINALE, ITA (END)

      MAY 17-19: BIELSKO-BIALA, POL (DHI, END)

      MAY 24-26: NOVÉ MÉSTO, CZE (XCO, XCC, XCM)

      JUN 07-09: LEOGANG , AUT (DHI, END)

      JUN 14-16: VAL DI SOLE, TRENTINO, ITA (XCO, XCC, DHI)

      JUN 21-23: CRANS-MONTANA, VALAIS, SUI (XCO, XCC)

      JUN 28-JUL 07: HAUTE-SAVOIE, FRA (XCO, XCC, XCM, DHI, END)

      JUL 12-14: BELLWALD, VALAIS, SUI (END)

      SEP 06-08: LOUDENVIELLE, FRA (DHI, END)

      SEP 27-29: LAKE PLACID, USA (XCO, XCC, XCM)

      OCT 04-06: MONT-SAINTE-ANNE, CAN (XCO, XCC, DHI)

      For more information on the Enduro World Series Athlete Eligibility and Registration, please visit: UCI Mountain Bike World Series

      Athlete Eligibility, Registration, and Petition Process

      National Team MTB 700x700
      Mountain Bike National Team Programs

      USA Cycling is committed to Junior and U23 Development Programs. We are constantly on the look out for talent and are recruiting for these programs. Review the document below for more information on the selection process.

      SELECTION GUIDELINES

      XCM PAN AM
      UCI Junior Series XCO

      There are UCI requirements in place in order to compete in the UCI Junior Series for XCO. The link below will explain the UCI Athlete Entry System and Criteria, the Athlete Guiding Principles, and the Event Deadlines

      LEARN MORE

      Selection Process

      USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.

      LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ATHLETE EVENT SELECTION PROCESS

      Selection Committee

      The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.

      Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.

      The Mountain Bike Selection Committee is as follows:

      • Howard Grotts - 10 Year Athlete; 2016 Olympian
      • Jan Bolland Tanner - 1991 TTT Pan Am Games Champion; 1992 TTT World Champion; US National Cyclocross Champion
      • USA Cycling Discipline Director

      All members of the Selection Committee and USA Cycling Sport Performance staff participating in a selection must comply with USA Cycling’s Statement of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.

      MOUNTAIN BIKING

      MEET THE STAFF
      Alec Pasqualina Headshot 23
      Alec
      Pasqualina
      Mountain Bike Director
      Background

      Alec joined USA Cycling in early 2021 to kickstart the Olympic Development Academy, USA Cycling’s redesigned development program across all cycling disciplines. Alec is a former professional mountain bike and cyclocross racer who participated in previous iterations of USA Cycling’s development programming bringing firsthand knowledge and experience to USA Cycling. In addition to coaching athletes of all disciplines on the side, Alec spent nearly three years working for TrainingPeaks where he contributed to product enhancements, data analysis, coaching education, and customer retention. With coaching experience, product knowledge, and firsthand experiences, Alec plans to leverage his knowledge to help grow USA Cycling.

      A native of Danville, Calif., Alec studied Communication Studies, Political Science, and Entrepreneurial Leadership at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. He now resides in Boulder, Colorado.

      CONTACT
      Anneke Beerton Bio 2
      Anneke
      Beerten
      Mountain Bike Skills Coach
      Background

      Anneke Beerten is one of the most passionated mountainbike girls out there. She lives and breaths riding and is not scared of a challenge. Ever since she was a little girl she has been hooked on riding and she became a big inspiration to many people in the bicycle world.

      A young girl’s dream came true when she became a professional cyclist and won the World Championships in BMX and in 4 cross. She grew up in a small town in the Netherlands and moved to California in 2015 to continue her journey as a professional athlete in the US. In the beginning of 2022, Anneke moved from California to Bentonville, Arkansas, the Mountain Bike capital of the world. Anneke’s experience both between & outside the ‘Race Tape’, provide an amazing platform for her to share her life’s journey through cycling. In 2016, she founded “Crank It Up MTB” a platform to inspire, coach and share the stoke for riding.

      In 2023, Anneke became skills coach for the USA Cycling Cross-Country Mountain Bike team.

      Anneke’s experience both between & outside the ‘Race Tape’, provide an amazing platform for her to share her life’s journey through cycling and as a coach. With a racing pedigree, rock solid bike handling fundamentals, a keen skill to communicate, and fans all over the world, sponsor’s value is immeasurable.

      Todd Wells Headshot
      Todd
      Wells
      Background

      Todd Wells, a three-time Olympian and a 15-time national champion across various disciplines, initially from New York, relocated to Durango, CO to chase his dream of becoming a professional mountain bike racer in the mid-90s. His mountain biking journey commenced at Fort Lewis College and continued at the University of Arizona where he earned a degree in Management Information Systems. After a stint at IBM at the beginning of his career post-cycling hiatus, he rekindled his love for racing. In 2018, he transitioned from professional racing to coaching, co-directing the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and his current full time job as a mortgage broker. Embracing new challenges and adventures, Todd occasionally participates in races and shares the joy of cycling with his son, Cooper. Eagerly anticipating collaboration with the National team, his goal is to make valuable contributions to the sport and the organization that have brought him immense happiness.

      Jim Miller Bio 4
      Jim
      Miller
      Chief of Sport Performance
      Background

      A successful professional cyclist in his own right, Jim coached several cyclists on the side and eventually retired from racing in 1999 to focus solely on his flourishing coaching career. After developing several notable cyclists, he originally came to USA Cycling to run the women’s road program in 2002. After earning Coach of the Year distinctions from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2003 & 2004, Jim was promoted to director of endurance programs, overseeing the development of American junior, U23, and women endurance athletes in road and track cycling. After making significant strides toward the USA Cycling National Development Program’s goal of developing the next generation of American cyclists, he was named Vice President of Athletics in 2010. In 2017, Jim left USA Cycling to become the Vice President of Business Development for Training Peaks. Unable to resist the Olympic call, he returned to USA Cycling in 2020 as the Chief of Sport Performance. He has earned the International Olympic Committee’s highest honor for coaches, the Order of Ikkos, three times, all for coaching 3-time Olympic Champion Kristen Armstrong to victory.

      CONTACT
      23 MTB Donate 1440x500

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