Improvements in equipment and trails over the past decade have made the sport more fun for more people By Polly Mikula Mountain biking even just a few decades ago was a very different sport than it has evolved to be today. Mountain bikes “back in the day” were only slightly different than their road counterparts…

Vermont Adaptive produces the event at the Fox U.S. Open at Killington Resort. This will be its fourth year. The race is the only adaptive downhill race held East of the Mississippi River, according to Vermont Adaptive's blog.  Trail accessibility for mountain bikers of all abilities, including adaptive riders, got a big boost this year…

By Katy Savage Mazie Hayden, a 23-year-old Killington Mountain School graduate from Pittsfield, has become a regular presence on mountain bike race podiums. This will be her fourth time at the Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking. She got third place in Dual Slalom in 2022 and fifth last year, while she got 15th in…

By Katy Savage Sarah Hamlin was 11 when she first started mountain bike racing. She competed in the U-12 category with boys because there weren’t enough girls for them to have their own team. Now, 15, Hamlin is a sophomore at Killington Mountain School and she just became a professional rider for the first time…

By Katy Savage Sitota LaRocque, 15, is only a freshman at Killington Mountain School, but this will already be her second time competing in the U.S. Open.She’ll be riding with 12 other KMS athletes, along with two coaches.  “It’s so awesome to have such a big event so local to me,” LaRocque said. Mountain Times…

By Katy Savage Joshua Poirier is in his second year as a downhill mountain bike coach at Killington Mountain School and he’s already “looking forward to many more,” he said. “The athletes I work with are all incredible people which makes my job fulfilling and fun.”  Poirier is a mountain bike racer on the side,…

By Katy Savage Dylan Conte has been mountain biking since he was about 12. A small bike park where he grew up was built and his dad dropped him off there. He’s been hooked ever since.  Mountain biking, he said, allows him to “both be competitive and be out in nature,” Conte said. “It’s something…

Spectators, watch the action all weekend at Killington Resort' s Ramshead base area.  All events are free to watch and hiking up the trails for better viewing is encouraged. A $15 spectator pass to ride the Ramshead Express quad uphill will also be available for purchase (go to the ticket booth on the second floor…

Young racers will also have their shot at the Fox U.S. Open in the Next Gen Youth Downhill event, which offers categories for intermediate and expert racers. For 2024, advanced categories will ride the main downhill track and novice categories on the separate Next Gen specific track.  “Next Gen” applies to U.S. Open categories for athletes 14…

Staff report The flat Ramshead beginner ski area at Killington Resort (home to two magic carpets during the winter) has been transformed into a huge mountain bike jump for the Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking competition this weekend Sept. 26-29. The spectator-friendly best whip competition is a crowd favorite. It’s being held Saturday, Sept.…

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.  Downhill Open Class racers will be competing for a $15,000 first place check on both the men’s…

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 a must see. Spectating is Free, and approved areas of the bike park are open to…

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,…

Friday night features sprints on a shorter dual slalom track, with a mix of groomed and natural terrain. This event is located right in the main venue area at Ramshead base are (alongside the Downhill finish and Best Whip jumps).  The Duel Slalom event is the best at the USO for all levels of athletes.…

Downhill riders compete for $15,000 cash purse; Best Whip riders for popularity Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 26-29 — KILLINGTON—The Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking will once again return to Killington Resort, Sept 26-29. Professional and amateur athletes from around the world will compete in the Open Class Downhill for one of the largest cash purses in racing, and as…