Downieville Classic Course to Be Reversed Due to Safety Concerns

DOWNIEVILLE — Organizers of the Downieville Classic, the acclaimed mountain biking event held annually in this Sierra Nevada town, have announced a significant change for this year’s race: the course will be run in reverse. The decision, attributed to safety considerations, will see competitors ascend the event’s famed downhill section rather than descend it.

Gregorich Jillians, the event’s lead organizer, explained the reasoning in a statement to The Mountain Messenger. “We’ve been monitoring trends over the past few seasons, and it’s clear the downhill portion has become a concern,” Jillians said. “By reversing the course, we’re confident we can reduce the risks associated with high-speed descents and make the race safer for all participants.” He also highlighted an unexpected benefit of the change: “I’m excited about the new smooth downhill from Packer Saddle to Sierra City. It’s a cleaner run, and I think riders will enjoy it more than the currently too-bumpy downhill into Downieville.”

The Downieville Classic, a fixture since the 1990s, is known for its challenging terrain, particularly the steep, rocky descent from Packer Saddle to Downieville that often defines the competition. This year, riders will instead climb that section, transforming the race’s signature feature into an uphill slog. The change has raised eyebrows among the biking community, given the event’s reputation as a downhill showcase.

Teegan Benson, last year’s race winner, offered a measured response. “It’s a big shift, no question,” Benson said. “The downhill was always the crux—you’d train for that moment. Now, it’s about endurance going up. I’m not sure it’s safer, just different. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Organizers are still finalizing logistics for the July event but maintain that the reversed course will preserve the race’s competitive spirit while addressing safety priorities. Jillians added, “This isn’t about changing the soul of the Classic; it’s about giving riders a fresh challenge.” Further details will be released in the coming weeks as preparations continue.

This article is part of our 2025 April Fools’ Day series.