NMBS heads into 2007 with team, industry alliances

The 2007 National Mountain Bike Race Series (NMBS) is set to run from March through August of next year, with six stops in five US states. The series will operate in conjunction with, and constitute a major portion of, USA Cycling’s new mountain bike national calendar, which seeks to replicate the success that the National Racing Calendar has enjoyed in the American road racing scene.

"USAC has a new initiative, but for the NMBS, nothing has changed," says co-owner Jeff Frost. "We maintain the same priorities that we have done throughout the years of running the series. Those priorities are: the growth of the sport of mountain bike racing through provision of good courses and venues in accessible locations, the support of the elite athletes, teams and manufacturer in the sport, and the entertainment and involvement of the amateur riders and fans."

The NMBS was once known as the "NORBA" National Championship Mountain Bike Series, but now it is owned partly by Tom Spiegel of Team Big Bear, an event organizer from the early days, and the ubiquitous Jeff Frost of BlueWolf Events. The series visits Arizona, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Utah and is geared toward racing professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders alike.