(Vernon, New Jersey) With days to go before the start of the 2008 US Open of Mountain Biking, event organizers are excited to welcome the world of gravity racing to the 6th annual event. As registration continues to grow to near-record numbers, racers are strongly encouraged to pre-register online by May 21st at 5:00pm EST.

Racers and teams from around the globe have begun to embark upon Diablo Freeride Park for this year’s festivities. With only three days to go before qualifiers, the event roster is stacked with elite racers including 2007 US Open Champion Bryn Atkinson and current World Champion Sam Hill as well as Kyle Strait, Jared Rando, Matti Lehokoinen, Amiel Cavalier, Andrew Neethling, Jurgen Beneke, Kathy Pruitt, Katrina Strand,
Steve Smith, Tyler Morland, George Ryan, Cody Warren, and Chris Herndon.

With the world of gravity racing heading to Diablo for the 2008 race, fans and racers alike will be pleased to find that the tech and vendor space has once again expanded. The industries top manufacturers and teams including Monster/Iron Horse, Fox Riders Company, Sram, Mongoose Bikes, GT Bikes, Specialized/Decline Team America, E.13 Components, Scott USA, WTB, Adidas, and NYC Freeride will all be on-site.
New for 2008, the U.S. Open features the Bravo Condoms Fastest Qualifer paying, $1,000 to the top racer during Saturday’s qualifying round. “We’re stoked to be presenting the fastest qualifying bonus to the fastest rider on Saturday… The boys at Diablo have been a pleasure to work with and we’re stoked to continue to build a strong partnership for years to come,” said Bravo Condoms CEO Zac Mazzotta.

As racing winds down on Sunday afternoon the festivities will continue into the night with the Red Bull Sharpshooters After-Party at Mountain Creek Resort. The doors open at 7:00pm featuring photos from the industries top photographers as well as a movie premier and drink specials. Following the Sharpshooter Contest and movie premier, the party will head over to the Vernon Inn for the infamous U.S. Open After-After Party, a perfect ending to an epic weekend.

Diablo Freeride Park is open to the public throughout the holiday weekend and cycling enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this must-see event!

For more information please visit www.ridediablo.com

source: Doug Smith