This week, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain will be filled with elite riders and enthusiastic spectators at the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Series. For the fourth time, the highly anticipated event returns to the Mountain State, running now through October 1. This year the event will feature both the UCI World Cup Mountain Biking Downhill Series and, new to Snowshoe, the Cross Country Marathon World Cup (XCM), where amateurs have the opportunity to ride the same course as the pros.
As Snowshoe stated on the resort’s website: “One of the coolest parts about mountain biking is its accessibility. In no other sport can a regular person play on the same field as the pros.”
Yesterday, amateurs rode 62 miles of the area’s iconic rooty singletrack and rugged backcountry trails through the Allegheny Mountains, from Snowshoe to Durbin and back.
The Cross Country Short Track (XCC) races will be divided into two nights this year, with Thursday night featuring the Under 23 category and Friday showcasing the Elite category. Similarly, the Junior Downhill (DHI) races will take place Friday afternoon while the Elite DHIl semi-finals and finals will take place most of the day Saturday. The Cross Country Olympic (XCO) race will commence on Sunday.
“We are excited to welcome mountain biking enthusiasts to the 2023 UCI Mountain Biking World Series in Pocahontas County,” said Chelsea Faulknier, Executive Director of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “With our challenging trails and beautiful landscapes, this event promises an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators.”
Each event can be live-streamed from Global Cycling Network’s website here.
Cover photo: Courtesy of Pocahontas County
