USA Triathlon Creates Youth and Junior Cross National Championships

USA Triathlon will hold its inaugural Youth and Junior Cross National Championships from July 12–13 on the mountain biking trails in Hagg Lake, Oregon.

The inaugural youth event will take place in conjunction with USA Triathlon Cross National Championships, offering multisport athletes of all abilities the chance to compete in cross triathlon on a national stage. The event is hosted in partnership with Why Racing Events and the Hagg Lake Triathlon and Trail Festival.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Youth and Junior Cross Nationals as part of Cross Nationals,” said Brian D’Amico, USA Triathlon director of events. “This dynamic new race gives our youth athletes an incredible opportunity to try a new format and experience cross triathlon at a premier venue.”

Mountain bike racing has been increasing in youth athletes, with an estimated 35,000 participating in mountain biking leagues across the country. The USA Triathlon Youth and Junior Cross National Championships provides a bridge between mountain bike riding and multisport racing.

Youth and junior athletes will compete in three age groups: 7–10, 11–14, and 15–17, with champions for each division. Athletes ages 7–10 will complete a 50–meter swim, 2–mile mountain bike, and half–mile run, while 11–14-year-olds will complete a 100–meter swim, 3–mile mountain bike, and a half–mile run. Athletes ages 15–17 will compete in the Sprint Distance Cross Triathlon Race, which consists of a 750–meter swim, 14–mile mountain bike and 5k run.