Matt Nelson was hired as the first head coach of the Montreat College cycling program in August of 2023. He began his position immediately and led the program through its inaugural season of competition during the 2024-25 academic year.
YEAR-BY-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
2024
- Coached Chris McHenry to the program's first individual race victory at Truett McConnell (Sept. 7-8).
- Completed inaugural season by finishing 14th at the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike Championships.
PRIOR TO MONTREAT
Nelson came to Montreat following instructional experience in the field. He coached with Durango DEVO, a mountain bike development program for ages up to 18 years old that has seen a pair of Olympians and multiple national champions brought up through its ranks.
A native of Colorado Springs, Colo., Nelson coached middle and high school riders, many of whom moved on to racing at the highest levels of youth competition. He was also an instructor at Purgatory Bike Park, where he taught people of all ages and skill levels.
Prior to his coaching involvement, Nelson raced with the cycling team at Fort Lewis College for four years. His primary discipline was downhill, in which he ranked 15
th in the nation during his last season with the Skyhawks. Nelson participated in downhill, dual slalom, enduro and cross country races as a member of the team.
In 2018, Nelson graduated from Fort Lewis College with his degree in marketing. He now lives in Montreat, N.C. with his wife, Ava.
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