USA Cycling has announced that the 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in Colorado Springs on Oct. 1-2, 2011. Some details are still being hammered out, but it looks like the race will be held at the Air Force Academy on the Falcon Trail. Tim Scott, who organized the first 24 Hours of Colorado Springs last September, has been tabbed to be the race director.

We've sent some messages around to get feedback from the community. Cameron Chambers, the reigning singlespeed 24-Hour national champion from Colorado Springs, provided a few thoughts about Colorado Springs taking over as host for the national championship, which had been contested at the 24 Hours of Moab.

 "Moab has the allure of being 'The MTB destination' and it will never be  rivaled in that. So when someone decides to go and participate in the  most grueling discipline in mountain bike racing it is only natural they will be drawn to do so in the quintessential mountain biking location.

But all of us that have done the race many times can attest the course is mediocre at best. There are a few rad descents and rocky patches but all in all it is wide flat jeep roads. I think it is important that  singletrack, which defines the MTB experience, play a role in a race  like the 24 hour Mountain Bike National Championships.

People are ready  for a change. The course at Moab has not changed in over a decade. Think about how much bikes and riders have changed in that time. I think  Front Range mountain bikers and the 24 hour community nationwide will  flock to this course and hopefully it can breathe some life into a somewhat stagnant race scene.

I do not even want to know the number of laps I have ridden on the Behind the Rocks course at Moab over the last decade. On top of the race I  have spent time guiding for Rim Tours out in that area.

As a singlespeeder I prefer the course to always be pointed up or down. When  it is flat and not rocky I am bored and going slow. The Falcon trail  suits my strengths and I will obviously get a lot of time training on  it, which will be a huge advantage. I look forward to defending my title there. At Moab I finished 3^rd overall amongst solo racers,  two geared riders beat me, I would like to improve upon that next year. Having the race here will be huge motivation."

Kalan Beisel of Manitou Springs was a part of a national-championship four-person team in 2010. Here are his thoughts about Colorado Springs hosting the 24-hour championship:

"I think having the 24 of Colorado Springs as a national championship race will most definitely attract more racers. As long as Moab and the race here are some time apart, I don't think they'll conflict much. People chasing
the stars and bars will come here! I think we will see a lot more
midwest and east coast riders/teams because of our central location.

Tell us what you think about this exciting event coming to Colorado Springs!