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LMC Hosts Mountain Bike Championships Oct. 11-12; Beech Mountain To Host Nationals Oct. 24-26

By Madison Fisler Lewis

Oct. 1, 2014. On Oct. 11 and 12, Lees-McRae College will host the 2014 Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (SECCC) Mountain Bike Championship competition. The event will begin at 9 a.m. on both days, and registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. each day at Williams Gymnasium on Campus.

Photo courtesy of Beech Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy of Beech Mountain Resort

Entry fees for the race are $15 for pre-registered competitors and $17 for those who register the day of the competition. Team relay registration cost is $28.

“We are thrilled to host the SECCC Mountain Bike Championship here on our beautiful campus,” said Lees-McRae Director of Cycling and Head Cycling Coach Tim Hall in a press release. “Our entire team has put in a lot of hours preparing the courses to ensure a great event.”

The races are spectator friendly, so fans are invited to attend to cheer on their favorite competitor.

This competition marks the final race weekend of the competition season before the national championship competition takes place on Beech Mountain on Oct. 24-26.

“We hosted this race last year as well, and this is the fourth year that we have hosted a national race with USA Cycling,” said Talia Freeman, Marketing Director for Beech Mountain Resort.

“They like the consistency and quality of the races we are able to produce, and we have a beautiful setting for these races.”

The national competition is for collegiate athletes only in Division I and II. There are several disciplines featured in the competition, including downhill, cross country, short track cross country, team relay and dual slalom.

The 2014 Nationals will feature the return of the co-ed team relay, a rider and fan favorite in its debut last year.

But to make this event a reality, Beech Mountain Resort will need about 200 volunteers.

“We need about 200 volunteers to make this competition work, so we are looking for volunteer help. Volunteers can work as course marshals, help with set up and clean up, registration, and really everything in between.”

Those interested in volunteering for the event can email Freeman at tfreeman@skibeech.com.