Mount Snow

Mount Snow Announces New Racecourses for Kenda Race Series

Cross-country and downhill courses offer more of what riders love about riding off-road

Class VIWEST DOVER, Vt. - July 22, 2009 - Mount Snow, in conjunction with the US Forest Service and leaders in the mountain biking community, have redesigned both its cross-country and downhill courses to promote what riders like best about off-road riding. The US Kenda Cup East, USA Cycling’s Pro XCT Tour presented by Sho-Air, the Kenda Downhill Series, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series, plus the Mount Snow Mountain Bike Festival will be held at Vermont’s Mount Snow on August 7-9.

Since no self-respecting mountain biker would ever spend more time off the trails than necessary, race organizers at Mount Snow proposed a new cross-country racecourse - based on its traditional course - but now with less riding on fire roads. For someone who is at his or her best on trails etched with roots and studded with rocks - perhaps with a little mud to make things “greasy” - the new racecourse will be outstanding. During the pro races, fans will want to look for Olympian and freshly crowned US National Short Track Champion, Adam Craig, since he has historically scored some of his best results at Mount Snow.

“There’s something about how the mayhem that is the trails around West Dover find a way to flow perfectly with your bike and body that continues to mystify me,” Craig said. “It also keeps me coming back and cackling with laughter to myself as I get away with murder on a regular basis.”

Fellow Olympian, Mary McConneloug, claimed two consecutive national cross-country titles at Mount Snow in 2007 and 2008. She’s proven her racing skills to be world-class on four continents, but Mount Snow seems to be an allied factor in her results.

“It’s a combination of a lot of things,” McConneloug said. “It’s just so great to race on a course that suits my abilities. There’s a lot of climbing, a lot of technical riding and to be able to race in front of my people, like my sponsors at Seven Cycles - that inspires you to race that extra bit to cross the finish line.”

Racing starts at 11 a.m. on Friday with the Cat. III men and women and concludes on Saturday with the pro men at 2 p.m. Then on Sunday, the racecourse will be opened up for non-racers to try out riding on a national-caliber course.

Downhill racing at Mount SnowIn the past, downhill trails limited only to racers will now be open to the public now that organizers have routed the racecourse from the summit to the base without interfering with trails to the north. Riders are free to take the lift up and ride down a number of trails without pressure to clear the course due to oncoming racers.

The Trek Women’s Triathlon Series makes its first visit to the East Coast this season at Mount Snow, where racing will take place on Sunday morning. To finish, racers will need to complete a ½-mile swim, 11.7-mile bike ride, and 2.1-mile run. All registered participants will be awarded a free lift ticket for the 2009/2010 ski season at Mount Snow. www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com

The weekend’s racing also includes Mountain Cross, Short Track, and Super D, which will be set against a backdrop only offered by Mount Snow and Vermont’s Green Mountains. Fans are encouraged to sample Mount Snow’s trails and then take in the races - either as racers or spectators - to see why off-road riding in New England is one-of-a-kind.

Parking for the festival is a modest $10 per day, 100 percent of which goes toward re-vegetating the racecourses immediately following racing. Activities are free. Camping will be offered or lodging is available via Mount Snow’s website. For more information, go to www.mountsnow.com.
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About Mount Snow

As one of only three Vermont ski areas on U.S. Forest Service land, Mount Snow operates under a special use permit issued by the Forest Service. This partnership provides recreational opportunities to the public in a mountain setting while at the same time protecting the mountain environment.

mount snow vermont | 39 mount snow road | west dover, vt | 800-245-SNOW | mountsnow.com

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source: Vinnie Lewis