The Maverick’s RMAC Mountain Bike Championship took an unexpected turn last weekend due to the federal government shutdown. After CMU’s permit, issued by the Bureau of Land Management, was revoked, two of the three events that were scheduled to take place on the Colorado National Monument were cancelled.

“It had quite an effect on us since some teams like CU Boulder and CSU did not show up,” Cycling Coach Patric Rostel said. “They wanted to come but decided that because of the bad weather and the fact that we only had one race, it was not worth it.”

The short track took place Saturday morning on campus and was unlike any other cycling event hosted by CMU. The course was designed by Rostel. It included a number of jumps and obstacles and had athletes riding through the main lobby of the University Center.

“The schools really liked the course since it was something different than usual,” Rostel said. “The community enjoyed the races as well. The races gave us the opportunity to showcase the sport in a different way than normal, and people really liked to watch and participate.”

Although the conference championships have yet to be completed, the Mavericks had a successful day on the short track course. Alexis Skarda won the women’s A race, and Jeff Sikes took fifth in the men’s A race.

“We were represented well in all races, and I am sure we will have a great turnout at nationals in three weeks,” Rostel said.

The Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Conference will grant nationals qualification waivers to all of the athletes affected by the cancellations last weekend.

cheykoop@mavs.coloradomesa.edu