Melisa Rollins is the 2026 Marathon MTB National Champion. But just three months ago, she had a broken elbow and a season in jeopardy. She talks us through the injury, the comeback, and the perspective that got her a national title.
THE INJURY THAT DERAILED EVERYTHING
Earlier this year, just six days before the start of Cape Epic in early March — a race I'd spent three months preparing for and was in the shape of my life to race with Kate Courtney — I had an accident and broke my elbow.
It completely derailed the first half of my season, and I didn't pin on a number again until SBT GRVL at the end of June.
Going into that race, I was carrying a lot of fear. I hadn't ridden in a pack for months, and I didn't know how my elbow would hold up if I hit the ground again.
Nine miles into my comeback race, I found out.
I got taken out in a crash and landed directly on my previously broken elbow. After a few minutes of composing myself, wondering if I’d broken it again, I realized I was okay. The race I’d hoped for was over, but I got back on my bike and spent the next four hours chasing before crossing the finish line.
It wasn't the comeback I wanted, but maybe it was the one I needed.
That crash gave me something I didn't expect: confidence. It reminded me that I wasn't as fragile as I'd convinced myself I was. The very next day, I signed up for Marathon MTB Nationals.
THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Having Marathon MTB Nationals become my first win back meant everything to me.
At the beginning of the year, I had two goals: fight for the podium at Cape Epic and win a national title. Obviously, the first one disappeared when I broke my elbow, but the second suddenly carried even more meaning. It became something I could pour everything into.
I didn't change much in my physical preparation, but mentally I had to shift. I knew it would be one of my first real mountain bike rides back and on a technical course, and I had to be ready to accept whatever the day threw at me instead of trying to control every outcome. My goal became trusting my body again, making good decisions, and racing with confidence instead of fear.
Looking back, I think that mindset made all the difference.
Nationals Nutrition Plan
Fueling Plan
For fueling, I targeted 100 g of carbs per hour using a mix of drink mix and gels. I’ve found that 40 g of carbs in my bottles, plus two 30 g gels each hour, works really well for me and is easy to stay on top of during a race.
I drank 850ml Amacx Turbo Drink Mix per hour. Kept on track with feed zones and planning!
I’ve mostly been using Amacx products—the Turbo Drink in my bottles and their Drink Gels—and they’ve been working great for me.
Race Morning
The race started at 6:43a so it was a pretty early start to get breakfast in. I woke up at 4a and had a bowl of oats, targeting 120g of carbs. 90 minutes before the start I used Maurten Bicarb, and on the start line I took my first 30g Amacx Drink Gel.
What Changed
I know people always say to not underdo the carbs… but I’d say don’t overdo them either! I’ve had some major issues with having too many g carbs in my bottles, which have led to me having hydration issues in long and hot races. Reducing my carb intake in my bottles from 80g to 40g has basically eliminated this problem for me. I’ve found that my gut tolerates this much better and I’m less likely to cramp or have gut problems.
