Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 2, 2006)—Due to massive snowfall on Mammoth Mountain this winter, USA Cycling will be relocating its 2006 Mountain Bike National Championships scheduled for July 20-23.
After a record 664 inches of snow fell this season, Mammoth Mountain has reported a base depth of nearly 20 feet as of May 1 – a figure that ultimately put the resort’s ability to host a national championship-caliber event in jeopardy.
“Looking at our snowpack today, I can confidently say we are unable to host a mountain bike event to the quality we are all accustomed to,” commented Bill Cockroft, senior vice president of operations at Mammoth Mountain. “It was a difficult decision, but ultimately we believe we owe it to the mountain bike community to make sure the event continues at the level and standards expected by USA Cycling.”
USA Cycling is currently negotiating with several venues to replace Mammoth Mountain and a decision is expected to be announced shortly.
The dates of the 2006 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships will remain unchanged.
____________________________________________
Mountain Bike Action (May 1, 2006): Right now the new location is looking like Angel Fire or Sonoma, with Vail or Durango possibilities as well. It all depends on whether these places can get the manpower to put the event on in the relatively short time necessary. USA Cycling says, "We are currently negotiating with alternate venues and expect to name a new site this week or next. Once a replacement venue is confirmed, we will issue a formal announcement."
FYI Distance from Reno:
- Sonoma, CA is about 200 miles
- Angel Fire, NM is almost 1,200 miles
- Durango, CO is about 915 miles
- Vail, CO is about 950 miles
____________________________________________
Links:
