2009 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking at Diablo Freeride Park

2009 U.S. Open - Diablo Freeride Park

There are limited races outside of World Cups where a vast majority of the fastest professional gravity athletes gather to compete in a downhill race.  The U.S. Open, held at Diablo Freeride Park in Vernon, NJ, has been held for six years.  Riders like Sam Hill, Brendan Fairclough, and many others have been in attendance previous years.  This year even more professional gravity athletes will be in attendance and it’s an event you don’t want to miss (see inside for details of some of the attendees).

We’ll be there again this year covering the event so be sure to stay tuned to Sick Lines for all the latest and greatest again.  We’ll be taking pictures of the professionals, as well as amateurs this year so be sure to check back to see a picture of yourself!

Reigning U.S. Open champion Steve Smith will be looking to defend his title against a stacked field of international contenders.

Steve Smith

After narrowly being edged-out by Steve Smith in 2008, former World Champion Sam Hill is gunning to dethrone Smith and claim the 2009 U.S. Open title.

Sam Hill

To earn a top spot at the U.S. Open, riders will need a strong showing to fend off top world cup rivals including  Sam Hill, Brendan Fairclough, Gee Atherton, Dan Atherton (out with an injury due to this past weekend’s world cup crash), Bryn Atkinson, Brian Lopes, Jared Rando and Kyle Strait to name a few.

Bryn Atkinson

On the female side of things highly decorated pro racer Kathy Pruitt (Jamis Bicycles) will be pursuing the win this year after placing second last year to Fionn Griffiths. Pruitt will be trying to outpace a talented womens field that includes Olympic bronze medalist Jill Kintner, Melissa Buhl, Katrina Strand, among many others as she attempts to capture the women’s title.

Kathy Pruitt

In addition to high-stakes racing, the U.S. Open is an excellent opportunity to witness the world’s top racers performing in action. Spectating is free of charge and there are many vantage points to view fast-paced racing including the popular JBL Sound Garden. During the final competition rounds, the JBL Sound Garden located at the infamous Rock Garden section will feature a JBL Audio system, where guest announcer MC Spl?gie will be providing the play-by-play.

The weekend’s festivities also include product demo’s and exhibitions by top companies including: Jamis Bicycles, Kenda USA, ethirteen components, Fox Riders Co., Shimano, Red Bull, JBL Audio, Intense Cycles, Turner Bicycles, FiveTen, GT Bicycles, ClifBar, Honest Tea and the Santa Cruz Allride Academy, among others. On Sunday, trials legend Jeff Lenosky will be onsite performing his Mountain Bike Trials Stunt Show. At 4:30pm, watch Jeff jump, spin, and perform random acts of kindness as he entertains the crowd.

Athletes interested in competing in the 2009 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking are encouraged to register online immediately to reserve their spot in the event. Online registration will close Wednesday, May 20th!

For more information about the 2009 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking, visit www.usopen-mtb.com .

In the meantime, check out our 2008 US Open Coverage to prepare yourself!

Official U.S. Open of Mountain Biking Sponsors and Partners include: Jamis Bicycles, Shimano, Freelap USA, Kenda, ethirteen, JBL Audio, RedBull, Fox Riders Co., pinkbike.com, BOS Suspension, Scott USA, Skull Candy, Dakine, VholdR, Lizard Skins, Atomlab, ClifBar, Five Ten, WTB and Mountain Creek Resort.