USA Cycling reported that Bentonville, AR, was selected as the official training site for the U.S. National Mountain Biking Team.
Bentonville and the Northwest Arkansas network of trails, gravel for endurance fitness camps, and skills-development camps will serve the team leading into the World Cup racing season.
In addition to National Team camps, USA Cycling will host mountain bike and road Junior Talent Identification and skills camps in Bentonville.
A philanthropic investment funds the camps from the Walton Family Foundation, directed by Steuart and Tom Walton; the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation; and the Penner Family Foundation.
The Walton brothers and Greg Penner are competitive cyclists.
“Our long-term goal is for Team USA to win the gold at the 2028 Olympic Games,” said Brendan Quirk, CEO, USA Cycling. “This investment gives us access to the infrastructure and resources we need to support our under-23 and junior riders. Developing these up-and-coming riders is a top priority for USA Cycling, now and in the future.”
Bentonville will also be the national base for USA Cycling’s collegiate cycling operation and other functions related to growing grassroots bike racing in the U.S.
“Northwest Arkansas, which we affectionately call O.Z., is becoming a cornerstone of the U.S. mountain bike racing scene,” said Steuart Walton. “When you add in world cyclo-cross events and epic gravel riding, you can see how the region is becoming more than a tourism destination. Our hometown is quickly becoming a global hub for both professional cyclists and emerging talent to develop to their fullest potential in the mountain biking capital of the world.”
USA Cycling’s corporate headquarters is in Colorado Springs, CO. It also has a European logistics base and rider housing in Sittard, Netherlands.
