Riley Amos: A Journey Through the World of Competitive Mountain Biking and Nutrition

In the Episode #163 of the Nutritional Revolution Podcast, we had the pleasure of diving into the world of competitive mountain biking with the talented Riley Amos. At just 23 years old, Riley has already made a significant mark in the mountain biking circuit, having turned professional in 2021. Born and raised in Durango, Colorado, Riley’s journey into cycling began with the Durango Devo, an after-school program that nurtured his passion for the sport. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him to the national and international stage, where he raced for the Bear National Team and later signed with Trek Factory Racing.

Riley’s achievements are nothing short of impressive. In 2024, he clinched nine World Cup victories in the U23 category and earned the title of U23 Short Track World Champion. His prowess was further showcased at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, where he secured a commendable seventh place. This year, he added the 2025 Pro XCO National Championship to his list of accolades. Despite his global success, Riley remains deeply connected to his roots in Durango, where he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with friends.

The episode delved into the intricacies of Riley’s training and nutrition regimen, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a professional athlete. Riley shared insights into his race preparation, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and hydration in maintaining peak performance. He discussed his use of caffeine to combat afternoon fatigue during races and the role of sodium bicarbonate in buffering lactic acid during intense efforts. However, Riley also highlighted the challenges of managing sodium levels and the potential for bloating, underscoring the delicate balance athletes must strike in their nutritional strategies.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the technical aspects of mountain biking and the mental fortitude required to excel in the sport. Riley emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and control during races, noting that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving this. He also shared his experiences with heat preparation, detailing his use of active and passive heat acclimation techniques to enhance performance in hot conditions.

Riley’s journey is a testament to the dedication and resilience required to succeed in competitive sports. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a well-rounded approach to training and nutrition. As Riley continues to push the boundaries of his sport, we eagerly anticipate his future achievements and the insights he will continue to share with the world.

For those interested in following Riley’s journey, he is active on Instagram and YouTube, where he shares glimpses of his life as a professional mountain biker. His content offers a unique perspective on the sport, providing fans with an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of competitive racing.

Be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the Nutritional Revolution podcast for more insights from leading experts and professional athletes. Episodes are available on our website, Apple, Spotify (and most streaming platforms), and the full video is up on YouTube.