Mountain Bike Resources Online - Mount Snow - Biking Recap
By: Dennis Symons
Damp and foggy weather could not dampen spirits at the NORBA National Championship Series and Mountain Bike World Cup held at Mount Snow this past week. Riders and spectators suffered it out through changeable skies all week to watch their favorite mountain bike racers shred the race course.
Thursday for the pro downhill race a gloomy dense fog cloud hovered over the center of the mountain. As I rode the lift to the top of the mountain there was a sudden burst of sun which caught my eye, it was like being in a jet flying above the clouds. That short burst of sun light lasted for about a half hour at the top of the mountain. As I proceeded down the race course to watch the pro downhill the fog cloud returned. Visibility was about 30 feet or less in certain places on the race course. To top it off it proceeded to rain which made the course slick in open areas. Racing down the mountain at high speeds was a challenge for racers, riders catching air must have felt like they were jumping into nothingness until their tires remade contact with the ground.
Friday Morning was the beginner and sport downhill under same or worst conditions than the pros had. The trail was extremely muddy in sections and changed quickly as riders raced down the mountain. Friday afternoon was the next break of good weather, just in time for trials. The trials are new to Mount Snow, and there was a crowd of anxious spectators waiting to watch. The PRO/Expert course had some really gnarly sections.
Friday Night was the "Naked Crit" hosted by Team Brooklyn (NY) about 2,000 or more people attended the event was moved from the usual spot at the campground to the Sundance Base Lodge main parking lot. The "Crit" is so big now that they needed a bigger area for that major event that is not listed on the schedule. There was even a live band at this year’s event.
Saturday, the PRO women’s race went off with out a hitch but, as the PRO women were finishing it started to rain. The downpour started once the men started. Even with the downpour the rain would not drive away spectators or dampen their spirits, most staying until the finish of the race. The dual slalom finals Saturday night were great the rain held off until the last few riders crossed the finish line. Saturday was also special because it was the first time the Olympic mountain bikes were seen in public. Tinker (USA)and Alison (CAN)were both proud to display their bikes to the crowd at presentation.
Sunday, was the Jeep National Championship Series Cross Country, the weather was great and everyone had a good time.