by Emily Russell (Adirondack Reporter) , in Lake Placid, NY
Sep 29, 2024 — Fans cheer on women riders during the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event in Lake Placid. Photo: Emily Russell An Olympic venue in Lake Placid is hosting an international mountain biking competition this weekend, drawing more than 5,000 people in the first two days.
From Friday through Sunday, there are ten races at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg sports complex for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
"World Cup mountain biking is a highly sought-after event globally to have," said event director Kris Cheney-Seymour.
Lake Placid secured a three-year deal to host the event through 2026. Seymour, who works for the Olympic Regional Development Authority, said the recent investments in Lake Placid’s Olympic venues for the 2023 World University Games set the region up to host more international events year-round. On Friday, Seymour said the goal was to attract 1,000 people to the event. Instead, 1,200 showed up for the first day. The goal for Saturday was 3,000 and Seymour said more than 4,000 people attended the event. "The numbers have been incredible," said Seymour.
Carlos Rodriguez traveled up to Lake Placid from Puerto Rico to support one of the Puerto Rican racers. He’s also traveled to mountain biking races in Canada, Europe and South America.
"Bike fans travel," said Rodriguez. "They like to follow their racers, they like to follow the circuit and they like these types of events. Most of them just enjoy the whole weekend— the venue, the activities, […]
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