AMBC calendar announced

USA Cycling has announced the 2006 American Mountain Bike Challenge (AMBC) calendar. The series kicks off March 12 in Reddick, Fla. with the South Eastern Regional Championship Series (SERC) and concludes with the Piney Hills Classic XIII Oct. 22 in Ruston, La. The seven months in between provide opportunities to racers of all abilities to contest top-level regional competition from across the country. AMBC races will also serve as qualifiers for the 2006 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships.

The 2006 calendar features 33 events with the following four new events added to the calendar.

May 13, Idyllwild Spring Challenge, Idyllwild, Calif. XC, Team Relay
May 21, 4th Annual Coyote Classic, Boise, Idaho, XC
June 25, 11th Annual Bulldog Rump, Andover, N.J., XC
July 23, Dawg Days MTB Classic, North Little Rock, Ark., XC

In addition to the senior, master, and professional races, some AMBC events also host the Alison Dunlap Junior Olympic Mountain Bike Series (ADJO-MTB) and the Shimano Youth Series classes. The AJDO-MTB offers riders age 10-18, the chance to test their skills against competitors of the same age. The Shimano Youth Series provides a first-time racing experience for kids who are 12 years old and younger.