Snow Summit Set to Start 2003 Series

Two-in-one pro XC format and amateur mountain cross on schedule

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (May 14, 2003) Snow Summit Mountain Resort is preparing for the arrival of the world’s best mountain bike riders in cross country, short track, downhill and mountain cross disciplines for the season opener of the 2003 NORBA National Championship Series on May 15 – 18. The weekend’s schedule is attached.

Cross country athletes will be looking for early season form to carry them through an important year in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Saturday’s cross country races feature men and women starting just minutes apart and riding on the course at the same time.

Canadians Roland Green (Victoria, BC, Trek VW) and Rider Hesjedal (Victoria, BC, Subaru Gary Fisher) are expecting stiff competition from 2002 US national champion Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (RLX Polo Sport). In the women’s category 2002 US national champion Alison Dunlap (Colorado Springs, Co., Luna Chix) will be put to the test by Jimena Florit (San Diego, Ca., RLX Polo Sport).

The big-action mountain cross event, which looks like supercross on bicycles, starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. World leaders such as Wade Bootes (Australia, VW Trek), Mike King (San Diego, Ca., Haro Lee Dungarees), Eric Carter (Temecula, Ca. Mongoose-Hyundai) and Chris Kovarik (Australia, Intense) will lead the contest for line honors in the men’s division. Among the women, Australians Tai-Lee Muxlowe (Tioga-Orange) and Katrina Miller (Jamis) will be up against US aces such as Tara Llanes (Corona, Calif., Yeti), as well as rising stars Jamie Lillie and Jill Kinter – both of whom distinguished themselves at the Sea Otter Classic in April.

Moving onto Sunday’s racing, Sunday’s Short Track racing will provide fast action for the cross country stars, in the exciting condensed version of the Olympic discipline. This challenging format has been described as “20 minutes of pain,” and the likes of Rider Hesjedal make sure it is just that.

The renowned Big Bear downhill course is steeped in a tradition of change, with the designers having never laid out the same course twice. Over the past 15 years Snow Summit has seen unbelievably fast times and spectacular action. Located in Southern California—a traditional “hot bed” of downhill racing – this event is known the world over. Look out for many of the same names from the Mountain Cross events to dominate the downhill. Wheel chair athletes will also display extraordinary skills to descend exactly the same course as the pro two-wheeled athletes.

Amateur racers are an integral part of the festival, making up the majority of the 2,000 athletes expected over the weekend. Amateur Mountain Cross, until now the preserve of professional athletes on the NORBA circuit, will make its amateur debut at Snow Summit. Amateur riders who enter but then choose not to race are offered a refund on their entry fee.

Semi-Pro and Jr.Expert racers will have the opportunity to post fast times this year with the event organizer, Team Big Bear, responding to feedback and giving over the cross country course on Friday to these two categories.

The NORBA National Championships Mountain Bike Series is North America's premier off-road cycling series. The series crowns USA Cycling's Mountain Bike Champions. USA Cycling is the national governing body for cycle sport. GaleForce Sports Marketing is the series management and promotions company, and is recognized as the USA's leading cycling and events management group.