Roanoke \u2013 The 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships are underway this week in Roanoke, Virginia. Some of America\u2019s top cyclists are competing in the challenging terrain of Virginia\u2019s Blue Ridge.<\/p>\n
Behind the scenes, it takes a dedicated team of medical professionals to keep riders safe on the trail.<\/p>\n
Race medical director Dr. CJ Waasdorp, an emergency and wilderness medicine specialist with Carilion Clinic, said the team is prepared for the types of injuries common in mountain biking.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re expecting a decent amount of crashes, hopefully mostly just some minor road rash, other bone, muscle, joint issues,\u201d Waasdorp said. \u201cMountain biking tends to be a lot of shoulder and clavicle injuries, probably some lower extremity injuries. We have some folks who are prepared for head and neck injuries, but hoping it doesn\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carilion organized a team of volunteer medical professionals from across the region to staff the event. The main medical tent is located at one of the biggest turns on the course, where crashes are more likely. Additional medical staff are stationed at higher-risk features, including a challenging rock garden section.<\/p>\n
John Oney, vice president of sports and sales with Visit Virginia\u2019s Blue Ridge, highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in hosting events like this.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarilion Clinic has been one of those fantastic partners that really make this event a safe one, administer all that they need from a treatment perspective for our athletes and really kind of makes everyone feel very comfortable about racing on these trails,\u201d Oney said.<\/p>\n
Waasdorp also noted the event serves as a recruiting tool, attracting medical professionals to the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a great showcase to be like, this is a lovely place to work. Would you like to come work here and help support our community as well?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The championship Thursday at Elmwood Park, where elite and pro-level cyclists will compete in the cross-country short track race.<\/p>\n
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