US Open to return for 2004!

[Ryan]

TerraLogic Park Industries announced today that Diablo Freeride Park in Vernon New Jersey will host the 2004 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking May 29th - 30th, featuring a $5,000 cash prize to first place downhill finishers.

"Our goal is to attract high caliber riders by offering them the type of cash purse they clearly deserve", said Clayton Harper of Diablo Freeride Park. "We are a small organization, but we still managed to put together a substantial purse, it can be done".

The event will continue with its unique open Pro-Am format for 2004 and will run on the weekend between the Big Bear NCS NORBA race and the Fort William World Cup.

A $US5000 payout to the winning rider? It's a shame the Aussie dollar is doing so well at the moment because one lucky Aussie is on track for one hell of a sweet pay day ;)

Rumours of the demise of DH racing have been greatly exaggerated it would seem.

[Turley]

DH racing has shrunk but no demise. All we need is the organisations to not be so money hungry for the other cycling sports. I don't think anyone would mind if we had to fork out 50bucks a race(which we already do) if we got something for winning! Over the season you spend about 200-300 on entry fee but if you win the series (well from seq atleast) you don't even get a medal or a trophy! Theres enough spectators at races that if you need a few volunteers there shouldn't be a shortage. Just shout them a burger at the end of the day or something and they will be happy to help out again next time!

I would love to get in and help get DH to a sport which it should be but I realy don't know where to start!