The Mountain West has hosted significantly fewer national-level downhill races in the past decade, despite its history of hosting iconic events. The upcoming Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series race marks the first regular season national-level event in the region since 2015. Downhill biking thrived in the early 2000s, but the rise of enduro biking shifted focus away from downhill. Although national events declined, regional races remained strong and contributed to a resurgence in downhill racing by 2018, with increased interest and participation in the sport.
The early 2000s were a boom for mountain biking, marked by big sponsors and personalities, evidencing the raw culture that many consider the golden era of downhill.
As enduro gained prominence, downhill was forced to share the spotlight, leading to a significant decline in events and participation in the sport during the mid-2010s.
Regional downhill races thrived while national events dwindled, eventually leading to a resurgence of downhill racing by 2018 as enduro's hold weakened.
The upcoming Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series at Solitude Mountain Resort is the first regular season national-level downhill race in the Mountain States since 2015.
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