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Fayetteville has once again gained national attention as it hosts the 2025 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships at Centennial Park, drawing athletes, families, fans and curious first-timers to Northwest Arkansas for a truly unique racing experience in the country.
Although cyclocross might be a niche sport for many Arkansans, the excitement surrounding this event is anything but minor. It marks a significant step forward for our state’s outdoor recreation economy and highlights why Fayetteville continues to grow as a top national cycling destination.
Cyclocross has already made waves in Arkansas. Fayetteville hosted the discipline’s World Cup and the 2022 World Championships, an achievement that put the state on the global map. Now, with the 2025 and 2026 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships secured, Fayetteville proves once again that it is built, literally, for this moment.
What is Cyclocross?
Cyclocross is unlike any bike race you’ve ever experienced. Part mud run, part obstacle course and part fast-paced cycling sprint, it blends elements of road racing and mountain biking into an energetic sport. Riders navigate a short, looping course with varied terrain, including grass, dirt, pavement, gravel, mud and sand, repeatedly for 30 to 60 minutes. Along the way, they dismount to jump over barriers, run up stairs, shoulder their bikes and handle sharp, technical turns.
Because fall and winter are the riding seasons, weather conditions often factor into the challenge. Think of wet grass, freezing rain or ankle-deep mud. And that’s the fun of it. Cyclocross rewards agility, power, endurance and adaptability. Whether you are an elite cyclist or a weekend rider, cyclocross demands everything an athlete has to give.
For spectators, especially first-time viewers, it’s pure entertainment. Courses are compact so that fans can see most of the action from nearly any vantage point, and that is especially true of the course at Centennial Park in Fayetteville. And with riders completing multiple laps, you get to see the big moments again and again.
If you aren’t able to make the event in person, you can view the action on the FloBikes app.
Home of Champions: Cycling at Centennial Park
Centennial Park in Fayetteville is one of only five purpose-built, year-round cyclocross courses in the United States. Completed in 2021, it was designed specifically for the sport. Its features include steep climbs, technical switchbacks, long run-ups, and a flow that mimics European-style cyclocross courses.
The park was developed under the vision of Fayetteville Parks & Recreation, with funding from the city’s HMR (Hotel, Motel, Restaurant) tax. From the beginning, the vision was clear: create a world-class venue that could host major events while providing local riders with a year-round training facility. That investment paid off quickly. Centennial Park hosted the Cyclocross World Cup and, in 2022, the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, only the second time the event had been held in the United States.
With its proven success, infrastructure and enthusiastic local support, the park now enters its next chapter with back-to-back USA Cycling National Championships in 2025 and 2026.
Why Fayetteville Was Chosen
Several factors distinguish Fayetteville, Arkansas, from other towns and venues.
- Purpose-built course: Centennial Park offers athletes a rare dedicated cyclocross venue; not a temporary setup, but a course specifically designed for the sport.
- Mild winter climate: Unlike Moab or Colorado, where winter halts mountain biking, Fayetteville’s weather permits year-round riding and dependable December conditions.
- Proven experience: Hosting the World Championships boosted Fayetteville’s credibility and earned trust among USA Cycling leaders.
- A cycling-focused region: Northwest Arkansas is already a national hub for mountain biking, attracting riders year-round. Cyclocross further boosts the area’s reputation and adds more reasons to visit north (or south, I guess, depending on where you come from!).
- Citywide support: Fayetteville and local sponsors have strongly invested in the cycling community, making it an easy choice for significant events. The infrastructure is already in place for support.
What Spectators Can Expect
Cyclocross is known for its spirited, rowdy, all-in fun atmosphere, and Fayetteville’s setup embraces that energy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, you can expect:
- Free admission for spectators all week
- Food trucks serving local favorites
- A beer garden with a lively crowd
- A children’s mini course, so young riders can try the sport firsthand
- A warming lounge for riders sponsored by Sweet Green, complete with couches and a cozy hangout space
- On-site bike repair support provided by The Meteor
- Loud music, cheering crowds and high-energy racing
Fans can stand right at the edge of the course, close enough to hear gears grind and see mud fly (yes, some people wear a rain jacket and their own bike helmet). Cyclocross is one of the few sports where spectators become part of the environment – the more cheers, the better the race.
Expect mud. That’s part of the fun.
Certain parts of the course might drop out of view, but cameras and big screens ensure you can follow every second. Weekend races, including the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s championships, will stream on FloBikes.
Who Will Be Here?
Organizers expect over 2,000 athletes and spectators, with racers coming from nearly every state. Last year’s championship attracted more than 1,000 athletes from 48 states.
Early in the week, from Dec. 10-12, non-championship races allow amateur and collegiate riders to compete. While the race is open to anyone who registers through USA Racing, the trial rides qualify you for the final rides over the weekend.
The intensity increases as juniors, masters (70+), U23 competitors, and elite athletes race for national titles in the pinnacle of cyclocross competition in the United States.
A Home in Fayetteville Hills
Cyclocross might be a niche sport nationwide, but in Fayetteville, it’s celebrated with top-tier hospitality, a specially designed venue, and a commitment to outdoor adventure.
Whether you are a dedicated cycling fan or simply curious about the excitement, the 2025 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships promises an unforgettable experience. And with the event returning in 2026, Arkansas has a golden opportunity to shine.
2025 Cyclocross National Championship
(USA Cycling)
Dec. 10-14
Championship Rides Dec. 13-14
Centennial Park, Fayetteville
Registration | Schedule | Course Guide | Tech Guide
SnowyMountain Photography/USA Cycling provided the images used throughout the story.
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