VERNON, NEW JERSEY (February 22, 2008) Diablo Freeride Park, located only 47 miles from downtown New York City, announced today that preliminary details regarding the sixth annual U.S. Open of Mountain Biking are now available. Official online athlete and team registration will begin March 7th at 9am. Historically, the U.S. Open field is predominately pre-registered and all interested participants are urged to register in advance to secure their qualifying position.
In 2007, nearly 450 downhill-specific racers from 7 different countries and 37 different states, convened at Diablo Freeride Park to vie for Americas most prestigious gravity title; the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Open legacy continues in 2008 by offering one of downhill mountain bikings richest cash purses in the world with top finishers, both men and women, receiving a staggering $5,000 cash payout for the win. In addition, the U.S. Open provides up-and-coming racers with the rare opportunity to mix with and compete against some of the top gravity athletes in the world. We feel very strongly about the U.S. Open format and providing aspiring downhill racers with the unique opportunity to compete at the highest level without redundant licensing and class restrictions said Shawn Orecchio, Diablo General Manager. At the Open, theres no hiding behind excess classes Simply put, the fastest racer wins.
Slalom fans rejoice! For the first time in U.S. Open history, the event will feature a Dual Slalom discipline to add to the racing excitement. With the assistance of the Diablo Gravity Team, Diablo course designers will construct a unique Dual Slalom mixing traditional slalom traits with a unique blend of elements and features. We are very excited to be offering a Dual Slalom discipline to the U.S. Open, said Orecchio. Popularity and demand for Dual has increased in recent years and it is our goal to provide a course that will truly rejuvenate the discipline in our area.
2008 U.S. Open General Information
Date: May 23-25, 2008
Location: Diablo Freeride Park / Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon NJ 07462
Athlete Registration: www.diablofreeridepark.com
Nearest Airport: Newark International, Newark NJ
Discipline: Downhill and Dual Slalom
Format: Open Pro/Am Format
Pro Purse: $25,000+
Amateur Prizes: $25,000 in product
Schedule: Friday May 23 Full-day practice
Saturday May 24 DH / DS Qualifiers
DS Finals (Night)
Sunday May 25 DH Finals
For more information please visit: www.diablofreeridepark.com
Click here to view the new U.S. Open Promo Video