Snowshoe Mountain had the pleasure of hosting the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Finals September 6-8, 2019. As the last stop on the racing circuit, World Champions were named for men and women’s Cross Country, Short Track, and Downhill events. The atmosphere was electric. The spectators showed out. And the athletes’ bough fierce competition.
“SNOWSHOE!!! Admittedly, I was pretty skeptical when it was announced that Snowshoe would be hosting a World Cup. I knew the track could be World Cup worthy, but being out in the boonies 4 hours away from any major city had me worried it was going to feel a bit deserted, but boy was I wrong. Certainly not my best race on paper but it’s one I’ll never forget thanks largely in part to the incredibly passionate crowds that showed up! That was truly an amazing experience. Huge thanks to all who made the effort to come out and support the US World Cup!”
Russell Finsterwald
There was something extra special about having an international spotlight on Snowshoe. I can’t imagine what the athletes and media thought as they traveled hours down two-lane back roads. They probably weren’t expecting to find an island in the sky with gnarly roots, legendary rock gardens, and hands-down the most passionate American spectators to ever grace a UCI event.
“In what can only be described as the most intense downhill final we can remember, both Elite titles were on the line in Snowshoe for the final round of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2019. With a new venue and a new track that would give Red Bull Hardline a run for its money, athletes laid it all out there between the tapes.”
Red Bull Bike
It was such a great event that Snowshoe took home Pinkbike’s coveted “Event of the Year” title for our World Cup debut.
“One of the most memorable races in the history of the sport.”
Pinkbike
And the eyes of the mountain biking world will once again turn to Pocahontas County, West Virginia this September. The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will return to Snowshoe September 17-19, 2021, and July 29-31, 2022. Mark your calendars, call your crew, and book your lodging. You don’t want to miss this.
“What a track! For the last battle, we have one of the hardest courses of the year, it’s loose, flat, and tech.”
Loic Bruni
