USA MTB Nationals 2024

Mens 17-18 USA Nationals Podium - 2024

The MTB National Championships is always one of the biggest US races, with stiff competition. This year, it was at Bear Creek Resort in Pennsylvania. My category had over 120 participants. It’s one of the final and most important races because a good result might open the door to an invitation to the World Championship.

Leading up to the race, I felt it was a race against the clock because I had suffered from an intense illness that started at the Pan American Championships in May. The sickness continued while I was in Europe, developing into a horrible cough. And I continued fighting it while racing in Missoula in June. Finally, I began feeling back to myself just a month before the national race. I was very concerned about my fitness as the sickness caused a significant setback in my power. Still, I focused on each workout, making progress day by day. In preparation, I rode in the middle of the day to get heat acclimated. Pennsylvania is not as hot as Sedona, although the humidity is no joke!

By the time the race was here, I was feeling strong again. The steep and technical course was perfect for my skillset and riding style. I knew I could have the opportunity to do something great, and I envisioned myself alone with Nico Konecny (the best junior in the US).

On race day, I felt strong and ready. When we took off, I had a very good start and could immediately tell I was going to have a better race than several of my competitors, who seemed winded just a few minutes into the race. Halfway through the first lap, the lead group narrowed to 4 riders coming through the start finish. I could sense that one of the racers was getting tired, so I went to the front and put in an effort to burn him out of the top three. It worked; the group was down to me, Nico Konecny (my Bear teammate), and Ezra Caudel (Gravity). These two had been the strongest all year. I got dropped on a technical section with one and a half laps to go and rode the rest of the race conservatively, as I didn't want anything to jeopardize my podium position. I finished in 3rd and was the highest placed 17-year-old.

I submitted my petition to USA Cycling for the World Championship in Andorra, held in late August. USA Cycling will be announcing the World Team any day now. If I don't make it, my season is done. If I'm lucky enough to be selected, I will continue to train hard to be as fit as possible for the biggest mtb race of the year.

Thanks to my coach, Hannah Otto, for the guidance, forcing me to rest, and for getting me back in shape fast after being sick for a chunk of the season. And thanks to the Bear National Team for the support at every race, nationally and overseas. Their bike mechanics always have my bike ready to race, and the bottles in the feed are always cold. Last but not least, Thanks to my parents for their unwavering support.

USA Nationals 2024 - Heckel Pit