Bentonville, AR — The spotlight is on Bentonville’s thriving cycling scene following Haley Batten’s remarkable silver medal win in the Women’s Cross Country Mountain Biking Race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Batten’s achievement marks the highest finish ever for an American rider in this event.
In the lead-up to the Games, Batten and her Team USA mountain biking colleagues honed their skills in Bentonville, a city now gaining acclaim for its cycling prowess. “It’s incredible that we could train together in Bentonville, a place that perfectly prepares us for technical terrain,” Batten remarked in a post-race video with USA Cycling. “This experience has undoubtedly enhanced our performance here, and I’m eager to see what the future holds.”
The connection between Bentonville and elite cycling was underscored in June when USA Cycling declared that the path to Paris would involve extensive training in Bentonville. “We’re ecstatic that Haley trained here,” said Gary Vernon, Director of Outdoor Recreation and Trail Innovation for the Runway Group in Bentonville. “Her silver medal on the national stage is a testament to our trails’ quality. The announcers noted how Bentonville’s terrain mirrors the Olympic course, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
The Runway Group, a prominent holding company investing in real estate, outdoor initiatives, and local businesses, has played a pivotal role in elevating Bentonville’s status as a premier cycling destination.
So, what makes Bentonville’s trails so attractive to Olympians? Vernon attributes it to the city’s commitment to exceptional trail design. “We’ve recruited top trail designers to craft a destination that meets Olympic standards. Our trails feature diverse elements like steep inclines and rock formations, similar to the Olympic course. With over 200 miles of trails, from gentle beginner paths to challenging routes, there’s something for every rider.”
The past decade has seen significant growth in Northwest Arkansas’s cycling community, accommodating riders of all ages and skill levels. “Our trails cater to everyone, from toddlers on balance bikes to seasoned cyclists seeking new challenges,” Vernon explained.
The burgeoning mountain biking scene has also drawn individuals to Bentonville, seeking both professional opportunities and a robust cycling environment. Susie Douglas, Interim Executive Director of the Women of OZ—a non-profit dedicated to promoting women’s mountain biking—highlighted the city’s appeal. “Moving to Bentonville was a strategic move for me as a mountain bike coach and enthusiast,” Douglas shared. “The accessibility of trails right outside my door and the strong community support are invaluable.”
Douglas also emphasized the significance of Batten’s success for inspiring future generations of female riders. “Seeing Haley on the podium shows women that they can achieve greatness in this sport,” Douglas said. “Her achievement is a powerful motivator for aspiring cyclists.”
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