DEER VALLEY RESORT, PARK CITY, UTAH (Summer, 2007) – Deer Valley Resort will welcome its 11th National Mountain Bike Race Series back to its slopes June 15th – 17th, 2007. The fifth stop on this year's national tour, Deer Valley's event usually draws around 2,000 competitors and thousands of spectators eager to watch both the nation's best mountain bikers as well as amateurs compete in a series of events. Deer Valley is one of only seven esteemed mountain biking sites chosen to host a National Mountain Bike Series race (along with races in Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Colorado and two in California). The national finals will be held at Mt Snow, Vermont.
“We are always excited to host the National Mountain Bike Series races,” says Steve Graff, Deer Valley Resort bike patrol manager. “It's always fun for us to be involved in this national series. Our race is scheduled earlier than usual this year, and we're happy about that. It will be cooler, and the trails stay in better shape because they're not as dry, making better conditions for the racers and better trail conditions for our guests after the event.”
This year's events at Deer Valley include cross-country, downhill, dual slalom, Super D, short track and a kids' race. Cross-country is the foundation of the sport, recognized as the only Olympic mountain bike discipline. Cross-country races usually last two hours, with riders winding their way around a five- to nine-mile loop several times. The short-track event sends riders around a shorter loop (about three-quarters of a mile) around the base of the resort. Challenging the laws of gravity, downhill riders make their way down the course one at a time, navigating sharp turns, rocks and roots. The new Super D event is a combination of cross-country and downhill racing. The dual slalom pits racers against each other, two at a time, on a course with gated turns much like a skiing slalom event. In addition, a busy trade show area, concession stands, and plenty of mind-boggling mountain bike action will entertain spectators of all ages. For more information and a schedule, visit mtbnationals.com or norbanationals.com.
Riders of all ability levels, including junior, junior expert, beginner, sport, expert, semi-pro and professional are welcome to race. All racers are pre-qualified by level of ability. Throughout the National Mountain Bike Race Series season, riders compile points that are totaled at the finals. The Deer Valley race is organized by Team Big Bear and sponsored by Deer Valley Resort, Subaru-Gary Fisher, the Park City Chamber and Visitor's Bureau and the Utah Sports Commission.
Deer Valley will also host several other important cycling events this season, including the Pedalfest on June 9th (part of the Intermountain Cup Series and open to riders of all abilities).
For more information on this summer's National Mountain Bike Series race or other cycling events, please contact Deer Valley Communications Manager Erin Grady at 800-424-DEER (3337) or 435-645-6522.