The Return of the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Nationals
The 2022 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships returned to Winter Park, Colorado, featuring a challenging course similar to the previous year’s.
Amy Morrison, a two-time Enduro National Champion, arrived at the start line feeling confident after her dominant performance the previous year.
Early Morning Pro Downhill Stage
The Pro Downhill stage kicked off early at 7:30 a.m. Following a solid warm-up, Amy dropped into the rugged MTB trail straight off the gondola.
The first two stages were packed with exposed rocks, berms, and technical sections that could easily cause mechanical problems. Amy’s focus was to maintain smooth riding and keep her mountain bike in peak condition.
“Stage 2 included a flat to slightly uphill sprint, and considering the high altitude—racing above 10,000 feet—I felt strong throughout,” Amy said.
Tight Competition and Gaining Ground
After stage 1, Amy and competitor Porsha Murdock were separated by mere fractions of a second. By the end of stage 2, Amy had opened a 5-second gap. Stage 3 featured flowing trails with large berms and opportunities to hit double rollers.
“I knew stage 3 was the place to push my limits on the enduro mountain bike course. I was probably the only woman hitting some pretty sizable doubles,” Amy reflected.
Taking Control on the Backcountry Trails
Heading into stage 4, Amy held a comfortable 16-second lead. This stage was a demanding backcountry section with sharp rocks and narrow singletrack trails. Confident in her advantage, she pushed hard where it was safe to do so.
The final stage was short—under two minutes—but technically challenging, especially toward the end. Without live timing available, Amy rode the last stage assuming she still held a lead, but maintained intensity to secure the win.
A Historic Third National Championship
“Winning my third USA Cycling Enduro Mountain Bike National Championship was such a relief. The women’s field is getting stronger every year, so holding onto a title is always tougher than winning it the first time!” said Amy, now a three-time national champion.
Congratulations to Amy Morrison for her incredible achievement at the 2022 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, solidifying her status as a top enduro mountain bike athlete!
Read also: Welcome Amy to Polygon Team
