With the conclusion of the collegiate mountain bike season USA Cycling posted the Division 1 and Division 2 school rankings. In the Division 1 category one southeast college is sitting in the top ten. The Division 2 category has three southeast schools occupying the first ten.

The 2008-2009 Division 1 champions Fort Lewis are once again at the top of the ranking, however Lees-McRae College sits in second place, six points behind. In the recent mountain bike national championships the Bobcats finished in third place overall in the team standings in addition to several individual podium places.

In the Division 2 category it is a close battle for the number one position. Currently Cumberland University has a one point advantage over Mars Hill College of North Carolina. Trailing just three points behind in third is Brevard College. Warren Wilson College sits in seventh place overall in the team standings.

With only one point separating first and second place Mars Hill coach Hugh Moran feels confident that the team can take the top spot after the cyclocross national championships in Bend, Oregon.

“This upcoming cyclocross nationals represents our best chance yet to pull on some stars and stripes jerseys, and we’ll bring a team to Bend that’s capable of both individual and team championships,” said Coach Moran to USA Cycling. “The strong cyclocross schedule in the SECCC (Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference) will be great preparation, and we fully expect the competition at nationals to be fierce and a step or two above last year. So we’ll prepare well, do our best, and have lots of fun in the process.”

Mars Hill is hosting the SECC November 13th and 14th. Perhaps the home field advantage will help Mars Hill gain the points necessary to overtake Cumberland. The national championships in Bend, Oregon are December 8th through the 12th.