NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KNWA) — To qualify for the Olympic Games in mountain biking, it’s all about points. The top eight countries Sunday will qualify their top two cyclists, and Riley Amos is one of two Americans who hope to be on that list.
“I love riding with my friends. I love going fast. I love the places it takes me. All over the world we get to ride,” Amos said.
As the sport of mountain biking grows in the United States, Amos and Chris Blevins are hoping to grow the American footprint around the world.
“I grew up in Durango, Colorado, which is the site of the first mountain bike world championships ever in 1990, and really kind of a Mecca for male biking. So, I was really lucky to have a good community there and be on a bike from a young age,” Blevins said.
Blevins was the only American competitor during the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“It was a unique experience, you know, in a COVID year, kind of felt like a mountain bike summer camp. But it was an honor, obviously. You know, for any athlete, it’s it’s the biggest thing you can dream of,” Blevins said.
Finishing 14th in his first appearance, he now has his sights set on the podium.
“Every athlete’s goal is to get a medal first. So, I got to get there and then be the best I can possibly be. … It takes everything,” Blevins said.
He’s hoping he’s not the only rider wearing the U.S. flag this time around.
“It’s a pretty cool place because it kind of brings mountain biking to the biggest stage of the sport,” said Amos, who grew up in Durango like Blevins.
“I think my dad first kind of taught me how to ride a bike when I was probably 5, 6 years old. I didn’t really get into racing until maybe like, 14, 15 years old,” Amos said.
Less than a decade later, he’s on the cusp of helping the U.S. make history.
“First time potentially in a long time to bring two U.S. riders for the Olympics, and for me, it’s still a young under-23 rider. If we get (those) two spots, that hopefully means that I get to go,” Amos said. “So, it means a lot to me and it means a lot to the country, to hopefully bring two guys to represent our sport.”
The mountain bike course at this year’s games is southwest of Paris near Versailles.