About 500 of the world’s best mountain bike athletes are expected to compete in the Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking Sept. 23 in four events — a best whip competition, downhill race, dual slalom, and an enduro race,
“We’re excited to show off the Killington Bike Park. We’ve been putting a lot of resources into it. It’s a good way to not only put our bike park on the map for mountain biking, but the area,” said Killington Resort’s Brand Marketing and Communications Manager Kristel Killary.
Most of the event will take place at the Ramshead Base Area, like last year.
The riders will compete for an $80,000 prize purse, with this year’s top male and female of the Open Class Downhill taking home $15,000 each.
“Remaining true to our ethos, we continue to push the industry standards on equal payouts — including a $15,000 award for the top step of the men’s and women’s open downhill podiums,” Clay Harper, the founder, said in a statement.
In addition to pro and open events, the Fox U.S. Open offers amateur racing classes in downhill, enduro and dual slalom. There will also be adaptive riding on Sunday and a chance for young racers under 15 years old to compete in the Next Gen Youth Downhill event.
Anywhere from 5-10,000 spectators are expected to come to Killington and they’ll be able to access the course easier than ever. The event is free to the public. For $15, spectators can ride a chairlift for better viewing.
Professional riders from around the world are getting ready to take on “the Beast.”
“It’s cool to have a rider-focused event in the U.S. that’s working toward creating a great experience for both the atmosphere and the race,” said Dakotah Norton, the current U.S. National champion, who raced in Killington in 2018. “The Fox U.S. Open of MTB is going to be a good time and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the season.”
For more information on the weekend events, visit: Killington.com or .usopen.bike.
