Killington hosts big mountainbike party Sept. 26-29

The Fox U.S. Open will return to Killington, Sept. 26-29, 2024. 

Killington Resort has made significant investments in their bike park and the town of Killington boasts extensive après, dining and lodging options making it an ideal choice for the worldclass event. Spectating is free, and the bike park will be open to the public throughout the event. Join the party and experience epic competition, spectating, and riding with friends! 

“The venue proved once again to be a great home for the USO and we are excited to continue to build on the momentum generated,” stated Clay Harper, co-founder and event director of the Fox U.S. Open. “The Vermont mountain bike community is unlike any other,” Harper continued.

The Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking was established in 2003 with the single goal of creating excitement in the American mountain bike scene. Featuring a unique Open Pro/Am format, the Fox U.S. Open offers the most challenging competition in the nation, setting the standard as a proving ground for up-and-coming and elite athletes alike. It offers a full slate of amateur classes. Anyone can enter the open class and compete against the pros to prove where they rank and take a piece of the massive cash purse!

Professional and amateur athletes from around the world are anticipated to compete in the Open Class Downhill for one of the largest cash purses in racing, with additional amateur racing held in Enduro and Dual Slalom events.

This year will mark the 21st anniversary of the U.S. Open.

Nina Hoffmann, who is the defending champion of the Women’s Downhill at Killington two years running, is always excited for the event to be at Killington this summer. “I really liked Killington … It was just a good atmosphere and of course to get the win — for me was a great way to finish off the season,” she said.

The Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking has long created opportunities for young athletes to strive toward, with a history of racers like Richie Rude and Neko Mulally, who competed as kids in the Downhill back in the mid 2000s. In 2022, the Fox U.S. Open collaborated with USA Cycling to introduce new Cat 1 age categories for athletes under 15 years old. The biggest moves, however, came from young athletes Asa Vermette, 15, and Aletha Ostgaard, 14 – both earning top five finishes in the Open Class Downhill.

“The atmosphere at U.S. Open is great!” said Asa Vermette. “The Dual Slalom and the Best Whip were sick! The DH track was insane, from chunky with roots to manicured jumps — every lap I did was so fun! Getting on the podium was crazy with all the fast guys there. I was stoked to get 3rd and I am hyped to go back for 2023!”

The U.S. Open Downhill race will remain true to its heritage as an open class event that gives up-and-coming racers the chance to compete against the pros and will again be included in the U.S. Downhill National Series. Racers age 14 and under will also have their shot in the Next Gen Youth Downhill event, which offers categories for intermediate and expert racers.

Also back by popular demand will be the USO Best Whip, taking place on a massive set of jumps carved into the base area of the bike park for a premier viewing experience. This invitational competition is a crowd favorite and must-see.

Beyond the competition, the Fox U.S. Open attracts race fans, freeriders and families with Killington Bike Park remaining open to the public throughout the entire event week.

For more event information, visit: USopen.bike.