2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships Produced Significant Economic Impact for Virginia's Blue Ridge

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge recently announced that direct visitor spending during the 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in Roanoke, VA generated $2.6 million in direct visitor spending. 
 

Over 1,200 athletes from 44 states raced at Carvins Cove, Elmwood Park, and Explore Park from July 14 - 20, 2025. Six days of racing attracted approximately 15,000 spectators. With over 2,300 event registrations, many athletes competed in multiple disciplines throughout the week, generating longer overnight stays in the region than a typical weekend event. 
 

Lodging showed significant YOY increases in both demand and revenue during race week. Short term rentals saw a 17% increase in room demand YOY and a 31% increase in room revenue YOY. Hotels saw a 4.8% increase in room demand YOY and a 7.3% increase in room revenue YOY. 
 

USA Cycling shared high praise for Roanoke as a host destination. "USA Cycling couldn't be happier with how our Mountain Bike National Championships went this year. The event saw participant growth in almost every category. We believe that has everything to do with the urban outdoor experience that Roanoke, VA has to offer. From a logistics perspective, it was a joy to work with each jurisdiction to make this event a success." said USA Cycling National Race Director Kyle Knott. 
 

Whit Ellerman, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee said, "I think our biggest success is that our community has this enormous pride in what we have and what we did [for this event]. Most communities could not pull this off because they don't have the same regional approach that we do."
 

The Visit VBR Foundation and USA Cycling raised $22,400 for local trail maintenance and development through a $10 race registration fee. Checks for $11,200 were presented to both the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation and Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism on Thursday, September 25. 
 

John Oney, Vice President of Sports and Sales for Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge said, "One of our top priorities when planning these championships was to generate giveback for lasting outdoor infrastructure in our region. It's very important to Visit VBR that we make this a legacy event for our locals who ride these trails every day."