Sign-Up for U.S. Open of MTB Next Week

By Singletrack.com

Registration for the pro-am U.S. Open of Mountain Biking, set for May 27-30 at Diablo Freeride Park in New Jersey opens March 1.

The pro-amateur format of the U.S. Open, in its eighth year, allows up-and-coming athletes the opportunity to test their mettle against the world’s elite gravity racers. While professional categories typically take center stage, the U.S. Open has become a hotbed of amateur talent and is a proving ground for racers looking to take their career to the next level.

For 2010, Diablo Freeride Park will offer various venue-wide improvements including an enhanced KENDA Giant Slalom and KENDA Downhill course, an increased pro men’s downhill purse and extended practice schedules.

With a cash and prize payout valued at nearly $60,000, the 2010 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking will offer the largest pro-purse in America and the most competitive gravity racing in the nation. The men’s pro downhill Purse has been increased by 50 percent, making the top spot on the podium now worth $7,500.

The athlete field in the men’s downhill will be capped at 450 total competitors, with 150 qualifying spots allocated to the pro men’s category and 300 dedicated to the men’s amateur categories.

Due to the popularity of the U.S. Open of Mountain Biking, pre-registration is highly recommended and is first-come, first-served. For more information visit: www.usopen-mtb.com