Chris Schulz Published

Mountain Biking World Series Makes Stop In Pocahontas County

A mountain biker flying through the air is the only thing in focus as they come off a jump between trees. The rider wears a red top, black pants and a black helmet while riding an orange bike. Below their rear tire a "West Virginia" sign is blurred by the photo's motion.
A mountain biker launches off a jump at Snowshoe Mountain Resort during the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Series.
Courtesy of UCI Mountain Bike World Series

World class mountain biking was on display this weekend as Snowshoe Mountain Resort played host to cyclists from across the globe. 

The UCI Mountain Bike World Series came to Pocahontas County this past week for its penultimate event of the year.

UCI, which stands for International Cycling Union in French, is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events including the Tour de France. 

Riders competed in the UCI Cross Country and Downhill World Cups, as well as the final round of the UCI Marathon World Cup, a 100 km loop from the slopes of Snowshoe to Durbin, West Virginia and back.

Best known for its winter sports, Snowshoe has also developed a reputation for top tier mountain biking. The UCI Mountain Biking website calls Snowshoe “the epicenter of the Mid-Atlantic’s mountain bike culture” and a staple of their World Cup circuit.

Snowshoe previously hosted UCI World Cup events in 2019 and 2021, and will next host a USA Cycling Team event in mid-October. 

The World Series was in France before coming to West Virginia, and will move later this week to the Quebec province of Canada.