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2008
February 22, 2008
Online Registration Begins March
7th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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 America’s most prestigious gravity title; the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Open legacy continues in 2008 by offering one of downhill mountain biking’s 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 allowing aspiring downhill racers this unique opportunity to compete at the highest level without redundant licensing and class restrictions” said Shawn Orecchio, Diablo General Manager. “At the Open, there’s 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”.
In 2007, nearly 450 downhill-specific racers from 7 different countries and 37 different states, convened at Diablo Freeride Park to vie for America’s most prestigious gravity title; the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Open legacy continues in 2008 by offering one of downhill mountain biking’s 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 allowing aspiring downhill racers this unique opportunity to compete at the highest level without redundant licensing and class restrictions” said Shawn Orecchio, Diablo General Manager. “At the Open, there’s 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.
|
Date: |
May 23-25, 2008 |
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Location: |
Diablo |
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Athlete Registration: |
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Nearest Airport: |
Newark International, |
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Discipline: |
Downhill and Dual Slalom |
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Format: |
Open Pro/Am Format |
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Pro Purse: |
$25,000+ |
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Amateur Prizes: |
$25,000 in product |
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Schedule: |
Friday May 23 – Full-day practice |
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Saturday May 24 – DH / DS Qualifiers |
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DS Finals (Night) |
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Sunday May 25 – DH Finals |
