Utah currently boasts the highest number of mountain biking cyclists in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), yet no college or university in the state has a fully operational mountain biking team. By the end of this year, however, Utah State University Eastern (USU Eastern) will become one of only two universities in Utah to launch a fully sanctioned mountain biking program under its athletic department.
Why USU Eastern?
“We’re surrounded by an incredible trail system, and we have a race course that’s NICA-approved right in our backyard,” said Mark Jespersen, USU Eastern’s first head coach of the new mountain biking program. “It made sense on so many levels.”
Starting the program hasn’t been easy. Jespersen has dedicated years to growing mountain biking in Price, the town where USU Eastern is based. After purchasing a local bike shop, now known as Altitude Cycle, Jespersen’s passion for biking led him to encourage more youth in the community to get involved. Initially, he was only able to recruit three riders, despite promoting the sport through announcements at the local high school.
With no prior experience in coaching mountain biking, Jespersen threw himself into the challenge. “Coaching is a mix of science and human connection,” he explained. “The best coaches can combine both to bring out the best in their athletes, and that’s what I strive for.”
Now, nearly a decade later, Jespersen’s efforts have paid off. What began as a team of three riders has blossomed into a competitive program with 52 members.
Beyond growing the sport in Price, Jespersen has worked tirelessly with USU Eastern to establish a team that would give local talent an opportunity to stay in the area, continue their athletic pursuits, and contribute to the university’s enrollment efforts. One of Jespersen’s primary goals has been to build an authorized race trail on university property, which he achieved several years ago. Now, as head coach of the newly forming team, he is working to create a sustainable program for future riders.
Despite the progress, the team is still in its early stages. At present, it’s just Jespersen—an “old man” who “loves riding bikes,” as he modestly puts it—leading the charge. The team is in its formative phase, with plans to recruit six to ten riders by spring 2025. Whether the team consists of a handful or a full roster, Jespersen’s mission remains unchanged: “I want to give kids an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have.”
As spring 2025 approaches, USU Eastern’s mountain biking program is poised to take off, and the community will soon see the first riders hit the trail under Jespersen’s leadership. Keep an eye on this up-and-coming team as it gears up for its inaugural season.
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