Davis & Elkins College announced today the addition of cycling to its intercollegiate sports offerings for the 2022-2023 academic year. The addition of men’s and women’s teams will grow the Senators’ department to a total of 26 teams and will be the only varsity level cycling program in West Virginia.

“Prospective students from across the state and nation who love cycling, and specifically mountain biking, are about to get some wonderful news,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “As a D&E Senator, they will not only experience a transformational education, but they will be able to practice their sport in one of the premier geographic locations in the country.”

The Senators’ cycling program will be affiliated with USA Cycling and plans to compete in the Atlantic Collegiate Cycling Conference. USA Cycling’s collegiate varsity cycling program competes across five disciplines: track, mountain bike, cyclocross, BMX and road. Races take place in fall and spring.

“Given our location and geography, I feel this is a natural fit,” said Davis & Elkins Director of Athletics Patrick Snively. “Elkins is perfectly situated for outdoor activity and recreation. It is also ideal for athletes who seek the beauty of the outdoors and the adventure in exploring it. There is plenty of terrain for mountain bike enthusiasts, but Elkins also has quite a bit of level and inclined roads on which to ride.”

Two sites, within a short drive of campus played host to large mountain bike races this fall. One event, held at Canaan Valley Resort saw over 200 youth competitors drawn to the area. The other, an international championship event that was nationally televised, took place at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

A national search for a head coach will commence immediately. Qualified individuals interested in this position can apply at www.dewv.edu/human-resources/.

Scholarship opportunities are available. All prospective student-athletes interested in participating in the inaugural team should fill out a form by visiting www.dewv.edu/request-information/.