THE FOX US OPEN RETURNS TO KILLINGTON, VERMONT, NEXT WEEK

Here’s the event info from Fox:

Professional and amateur athletes from around the world are anticipated to compete in the Open Class Downhill for one of the largest cash purses in racing, and as always, the Fox US OPEN also offers amateur racing classes in Downhill, Enduro and Dual Slalom.

“2022 was my first time attending the US OPEN and it was a super cool event! I really liked Killington and it was fun being there with the Syndicate crew and everyone from Fox. It was just a good atmosphere and of course to get the win – for me was a great way to finish off the season. Happy to hear it is coming back in 2023 and I’m looking forward to defending my win!” – Nina Hoffmann, Santa Cruz Syndicate

The Fox US OPEN of Mountain Biking has long created opportunities for young athletes and accolades to strive toward, with a history of racers like Richie Rude and Neko Mulally, who competed as kids in the Downhill back in the mid-2000’s. In 2022, the Fox US OPEN collaborated with USA Cycling to introduce new Cat 1 age categories for athletes under 15 years old. The biggest moves, however, came from young athletes Asa Vermette (15) and Aletha Ostgaard (14) – both earning top-five finishes in the Open Class Downhill in 2022.

“The atmosphere at US OPEN is great! The dual slalom and the best whip were sick! The DH track was insane, from chunky with roots to manicured jumps – every lap I did was so fun! Getting on the podium was crazy with all the fast guys there. I was stoked to get 3rd and I am hyped to go back for 2023!” – Asa Vermette

Though Asa Vermette was only 15 in the 2022 Fox US Open last September, Asa (second from right) placed third in the Open class, right behind winner Dakotah Norton (center) and Luca Shaw (second from left), earning Asa $3750, racing against the top pros in America.

 

Here’s what Cody Olivas, the sports editor of The Durango Herald wrote about Asa’s finish in the Fox US Open in September 2022:

“Asa Vermette became the youngest mountain biker to compete in the pro/open class at Fox U.S. Open downhill mountain bike championship last weekend in Killington, Vermont.

“The 15-year-old from Durango, however, did more than race some of the top downhill mountain bikers in the world; he nearly beat all of them for the $15,000 top prize.

“Vermette said he decided to race as a pro at the U.S. Open based on the advice of people in the business after his previous performances this season.

“Before the U.S. Open, Vermette had competed in 19 races this season, including a few pro events, and won 18 of them. He placed third in the other.”

The US OPEN Downhill race will remain true to its heritage as an open-class event that gives up-and-coming racers the chance to compete against the pros and will again be included in the US Downhill National Series. Racers age 14 & under will also have their shot in the Next Gen Youth Downhill event, which offers categories for intermediate and expert racers.

Back by popular demand will be the USO Best Whip, taking place on a massive set of jumps carved into the base area of the bike park for a premier viewing experience. This invitational competition is a crowd favorite and must-see.

Beyond the competition, the Fox US OPEN attracts race fans, freeriders and families with Killington Bike Park remaining open to the public throughout the entire event week. Warm days and cool nights make September a great time to visit Vermont and ride your bike.

2023 Event Schedule Overview:

Wednesday 9/20:
Athlete Check-in and Downhill Track Walk

Thursday 9/21:
Downhill Practice
Enduro tracks open to the public

Friday 9/22:
Downhill Practice
Enduro tracks open to the public
Dual Slalom practice, qualifying, and finals

Saturday 9/23:
Downhill Practice and Seeding/Qualifying
Enduro Race
Red Bull Best Whip Comp

Sunday 9/24
Downhill Race
Next Gen Downhill Race
Adaptive Downhill Race

For the latest updates, check out:
https://www.instagram.com/usopenmtb/

https://www.usopen.bike

The Fox US OPEN of Mountain Biking was established in 2003 with the single goal of creating excitement in the American mountain bike scene. Featuring a unique Open Pro/Am format, the Fox US Open offers the most challenging competition in the nation, setting the standard as a proving ground for up-and-coming and elite athletes alike. We offer a full slate of Amateur classes. Anyone can enter the Open Class and compete against the pros to prove where they rank and take a piece of the massive cash purse!

 

For more information on the Fox US Open, click here: https://www.usopen.bike/?__s=fet0p02ixegjbmanmant