Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah, recently expanded its Mountain Sports Program to include competitive mountain biking. This marks a significant step for the university, strengthening its commitment to outdoor sports as well as offering students even more opportunities to engage in high-level athletic competition while pursuing their academic goals.

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A Natural Fit for Utah’s Thriving Outdoor Culture

Utah is known for its stunning landscapes, vast mountain ranges, world-class ski resorts, as well as some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. Westminster University’s proximity to these outdoor resources makes it a natural fit for competitive mountain biking. The university is just 30 minutes from over 15 mountain biking trail systems. These trail systems include iconic spots like the Wasatch Mountains, Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and the trails surrounding the Great Salt Lake.

Given the growing popularity of mountain biking, particularly in the Western U.S., Westminster is seizing the opportunity to build a competitive team. This will compete at the collegiate level. The university’s proximity to many outdoor recreational opportunities provides a unique advantage for students. Allowing them to balance a rigorous academic schedule with their passion for mountain biking.

The Mountain Sports Program: A Comprehensive Offering

Westminster’s Mountain Sports Program already includes successful alpine ski and snowboard teams. Mountain biking only complements the university’s expanding focus on outdoor athletics. The mountain biking program is designed to be fully integrated into the athletic department. The program offers support such as access to professional trainers, a state-of-the-art weight room, sports psychology sessions, and scholarship opportunities.

The Mountain Sports Program has already cultivated a strong community of athletes. Mountain biking is expected to increase the camaraderie within the team. The program’s emphasis is not just on individual achievement but also on building a supportive and motivating community of athletes who share the same passion for the outdoors. Westminster’s small campus size also means that student-athletes will receive more personalized attention from their professors. This allows them to excel academically and athletically.

Competitive Mountain Biking: A Growing Opportunity

Westminster’s mountain biking team will begin competing in the 2025-2026 academic year. The team will compete in races nationwide and gain recognition in collegiate mountain biking competitions. The program will allow student-athletes to showcase their skills in various events, from cross-country to downhill and enduro disciplines. The team will also compete in the National Collegiate Cycling Association (NCCA) and other regional collegiate events, providing opportunities for students to race at some of the country’s top venues.

The addition of mountain biking is in response to a growing demand from students interested in outdoor sports. The new team will attract students from across the country and from international locations. This provides the university with a platform to showcase its commitment to supporting student-athletes in high-demand sports like mountain biking.

Building the Future of Mountain Biking at Westminster

As the program develops, Westminster plans to provide a holistic experience for its mountain biking athletes. This will combine top-tier competition with an emphasis on academics, personal growth, and community involvement. The goal is not just to create skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals who will be ambassadors for the sport on and off the bike.

Looking ahead, Westminster’s mountain biking team is expected to grow in both size and prestige. With its world-class outdoor resources, competitive athletic programs, and a strong sense of community, Westminster University is positioning itself as a key player in collegiate mountain biking.

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For students who are passionate about mountain biking and want to compete at a high level, Westminster’s new program offers a rare opportunity to pursue both athletic and academic goals in one of the best outdoor sports environments in the country.

Photo credit: Westminster University

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