Downhill Racing Returns To Crested Butte
One of the birthplaces of mountain biking is set to hold a top tier downhill race in mid September — and it will coincide with the area’s annual Chili and Beer Festival.
Colorado’s Crested Butte Mountain Resort has teamed up with Monster Energy and Budweiser to put on the annual Gravity Slave Downhill Mountain Bike Race. This year’s event, slated for September 7-8, will take place on the expert black diamond rated Avery trail and have a $2,000 cash purse for the winners of the men’s and women’s open pro classes.
The race is in part a showcase of Crested Butte’s Evolution Bike Park, which is one of the best in the state, with 18 trails covering 25 miles. Here’s a look at what racer’s can expect:
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“Racing has been an important part of the history of riding in Crested Butte and has helped guide the development of the Evolution Bike Park over the past 5 years,” explained Christian Robertson, who runs the Evolution Bike Park. “Avery is a really fun track that has proven to be a test for racers of all abilities. With some new features at the bottom it will again showcase the best riders on race day. Plus September is such a great time of year to be riding in Crested Butte.”
Race Registration is now available online at www.skicb.com. The $50 registration fee includes a race day lift ticket for Sunday, September 8 and a chance to win a raffle prize at the awards party following the race.
Racers interested in getting in some pre-riding can head to the Evolution Bike Park on Friday, September 6 for the weekly Free Twilight Ride from 4-7 p.m. and/or buy a $15 racer lift ticket for Saturday.
Qualifying for the pro category is set for Saturday afternoon, followed the next day by course training from 8:30-10 a.m., and then the finals on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Categories include open pro men and women, plus amateur age groups for 12 and under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-49, and 50+. Prizes will be given to the top three in each amateur category.
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