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written by Matt Skinner
After a year of preparation, the National
Off-Road Bicycling Association National Finals are
finally here, although some may argue that it’s
been 13 years in the works, as Durango’s 1990
World Championships have long been recognized as the “coming
out party” for the sport of mountain biking,
making the town synonymous with the sport.
From Aug. 14-17, the best riders in the world will
be back in Southwest Colorado to compete in downhill,
cross-country, short track and mountain cross events,
all at Durango Mountain Resort.
“Recognized as the birthplace of competitive
mountain biking, it’s fantastic, and fitting,
that the National Championship Finals should come to
Durango,” said race organizer Kendra Holmes.
The Durango NORBA National is the final of the five-races
series, determining USA Cycling’s 2003 national
champions. The event includes competition in all disciplines
and levels. The principle of the NORBA series has always
been to set up an event in which amateur competitors
can rub shoulders with the pros and compete on the
same course. What better bragging right is there for
a rider to say he or she competed on the same course
as the world champ?
The event offers a spectacular setting for spectators,
as the downhill course runs directly beneath the Purgatory
Village Express Six-pack. The Mountain Cross runs right
into the village, the cross-country rides over portions
of the 1990 World Championship course, and the Short
Track runs through the Village. All events are set
against the stunning backdrop of the Needles and Twilight
peaks.
Many of the world’s top names in mountain biking
have competed in NORBA races over the past decade,
and quite a few have started and ended their careers
in Durango. The list of homegrown heroes who earned
their stripes in the NORBA series include Ned Overend,
Julie Furtado, John Tomac, Ruthie Matthes, Susan DeMattei,
Tinker Juarez, Missy Giove, Marla Streb, Mike King
and Myles Rockwell.
“
Durango has proven itself again and again to be the
best mountain bike venue in the country,” said
Bill Rock, Durango Mountain Resort general manager,
adding that last year’s races saw nearly 1,500
competitors and 10,000 spectators. “We look forward
to a giant finish to the NORBA series and crowning
this year’s national champions.”
A new event will be added to the roster this year with
the Durango MTB 100 – a 100-mile endurance race
put on by Will Newcomer and Gravity Play Sports, organizers
of the AdventureXstreme Race Series. On Aug. 16, competitors
will ride out in one of three categories – the
100 mile, 100 kilometer or 100 mile three-person relay.
The course starts and finishes at DMR, winding its
way back into the San Juan Mountains and gaining more
than 17,000 feet in elevation. The event is NORBA sanctioned,
allowing competitors to gain points toward national
team qualification. For more information, visit www.mtb100.com or call 259-7771.
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