Cash Purse Announced for the East Coast Open Mountain Bike Race
Blue Mountain Resort is excited to announce the return of the East Coast Open Mountain Bike race for 2012. The event is back, and will be better than ever with a newly cut Cross-Country race course, unique Open race format and one of the largest cash purses in the country.
“We are really looking to offer something unique and different for the East Coast Open this year,” says Dak Williams, Blue Mountain’s Manager of Parks and Events. “Our team has modeled the event after an open freestyle ski contest. Riders are able to choose which division they would like to race in, which means that amateur riders will be given the opportunity to choose to race against the top athletes in the Open class for the cash. It allows riders a chance to compare themselves against the top racers in the country.“ The race will also offer categories for athletes as young as nine for cross-country, and 13 for downhill. The Free Cross-Country Kids race for ages 3-8 will also take place on Saturday, July 21.
This year’s cross-country course will be one 12km loop for the Amateur and Sport divisions, and two loops totalling 24km for the Open/Experts. The cross-country trails have all been re-worked and re-routed, for an exciting trail full of technical single track, grinding climbs, long downhill stretches and fun open sections.
After last year’s excitement with the Dual Slalom Race, the Blue Mountain crew have stepped up to design a new course cut into the hill for prime spectator viewing. The food and beverage tent, and vendor village will be strategically located at the base of the event for a prime view of the excitement.
