Promoters and competitors agreed this year’s Icycle Mountain Bike Racing Classic at Fontana Village Resort was one of the most competitive and exciting ever.

The unseasonal warm weather and some route changes brought a totally different feel to this year’s competition at the resort, located at the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Jan. 28 event attracted riders of all ages to the race event set in Fontana Dam. Changes to this year’s course provided some exciting new single-track action for competitors. Numerous riders mentioned the “screaming downhills” and their intention to return for next year’s event as well as some trail scouting this summer.

Pisgah Brewing Company and event promoters sponsored the after party and awards for racers with a fireworks display on the Village Green.