The USA Cycling Downhill National Series 2024 is a prestigious collection of top-tier gravity events across the United States. Specifically designed to track and document the performance of Elite Riders, this series focuses on Downhill Mountain Biking. It features premier downhill races throughout the season, using an overall ranking system to determine the best individual Elite Male and Female racers. Notable stops include Ride Rock Creek in North Carolina, Mountain Creek Bike Park in New Jersey, Snow Summit Resort in California, and The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking at Killington Resort in Virginia. Additionally, the series partners with Monster Energy, attracting both pro and amateur riders competing for overall titles.
- Series Overview
- The USA Cycling Downhill National Series features the best downhill events in America.
- It uses an overall ranking system to determine the top individual Elite Male and Female racers throughout the season.
- 2024 Series Stops
- Stop 1: Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia, NC (April 5-7, 2024)
- Stop 2: Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon, NJ (May 24-26, 2024)
- Stop 3: Snow Summit Resort in Big Bear Lake, CA (August 16-18, 2024)
- Stop 4: The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking at Killington Resort, VA (September 26-29, 2024)
- Monster Energy Partnership
- The series includes both pro and amateur racing.
- Expect an international field of professional athletes competing for the men’s and women’s overall series titles.
- USA Cycling Gravity MTB National Championships
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- Held from July 31 to August 4, 2024, at Ride Rock Creek, NC.
- This championship event is part of the Downhill National Series.
What are the rules for downhill mountain biking?
Downhill mountain biking is an exhilarating discipline that demands both skill and courage. Here are some essential rules and tips for downhill riders
- Equipment
- Bike: Downhill bikes are designed for aggressive terrain. They feature around 200mm of suspension travel (both front and rear), coil shocks, and double-crown forks.
- Wheels: Choose between 29er and 27.5-inch wheels (some riders even use a mullet setup).
- Components: Durable components, powerful brakes, and aggressive tires are crucial.
- Safety Gear: Always wear a full-face helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and back protectors.
- Trail Etiquette
- Yield: If you encounter uphill riders, give way to them. Be polite and communicate if the trail is one-way.
- Speed Control: Maintain control and avoid excessive speed. Braking is essential.
- Pedaling: Downhill trails are not for pedaling uphill. Use chair lifts or shuttles to reach the top.
- Pumping Technique: Keep pedals level (3 and 9 o’clock) to transfer weight through the bike for grip and speed.
- Technical Skills:
- Cornering: Learn to negotiate tight turns while maintaining control.
- Jumps and Drops: Practice jumping techniques and landing smoothly.
- Rock Gardens and Roots: Navigate natural features with finesse.
Locations where these events take place.
The USA Cycling Downhill National Series features premier downhill events across the United States. Here are the locations for the 2024 series
- Stop 1 – Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia, NC (April 5-7, 2024)
- A thrilling course awaits riders in the scenic North Carolina mountains.
- Stop 2 – Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon, NJ (May 24-26, 2024)
- Located in New Jersey, this park offers challenging trails and stunning views.
- Stop 3 – Snow Summit Resort in Big Bear Lake, CA (August 16-18, 2024)
- High-altitude riding in California’s San Bernardino Mountains.
- Stop 4 – The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking at Killington Resort, VA (September 26-29, 2024)
- Virginia hosts this exciting event with top riders competing for titles.
Famous Downhill Races.
These heart-pounding events challenge the best riders with steep slopes, jaw-dropping speeds, and breathtaking views. Here are some legendary downhill races
- Lauberhorn Downhill (Wengen, Switzerland)
- The longest on the FIS World Cup tour at 4,415 meters.
- Racers gasp for air after skiing over two-and-a-half minutes.
- Frenchman Johan Clarey holds the unofficial speed record of 161.9 km/h here
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy)
- Located within the Dolomites Unesco heritage site.
- The Olimpia track witnessed legendary Toni Sailer’s gold in the 1956 men’s downhill.
- Hahnenkamm Races (Kitzbühel, Austria)
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- The infamous Streif course: 85% gradient, 60-meter jumps, and an 860-meter altitude drop.
- Parts of the racecourse aren’t even groomed for normal skiing
- Corviglia Downhill (St Moritz, Switzerland)
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- Start steeper than the Streif, with a 45-degree gradient.
- Racers accelerate from 0 to 130 km/h in just seven seconds.
- Kandahar Courses (Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany)
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- Ladies’ course: 85% gradient.
- Men’s course: A whopping 92% gradient, the steepest stretch among World Cup slopes
Is Downhill Mountain Biking Hard?
Downhill mountain biking is both exhilarating and challenging. Here’s why
- Steep Descents: Riders tackle steep slopes, hurtling down mountainsides at jaw-dropping speeds. The rush is intense!
- Technical Terrain: Trails feature rocks, roots, and tight corners. Riders need excellent bike handling skills to navigate these obstacles.
- Fear Factor: Fearlessness is key. Riders face adrenaline-pumping jumps, drops, and hairpin turns.
- Safety Gear: Full-face helmets, knee pads, and protective gear are essential.
What was the first downhill bike?
The first downhill bike is often credited to the modifications made by enthusiasts in the late 1970s in Marin County, California. These early pioneers transformed cruisers into rugged off-road machines, adapting them for the demands of descending steep and rough terrains. These modified bikes, known as klunkers, paved the way for the specialized downhill bikes we have today. Imagine those thrill-seekers hurtling down mountainsides, laying the foundation for an adrenaline-fueled sport
How to participate in the USA Cycling Downhill National Series?
Participating in the USA Cycling Downhill National Series is an exciting opportunity for downhill mountain biking enthusiasts! Here’s how you can get involved:
- Register for the Races
- Visit the official USA Cycling page for the series.
- Choose the race stops that interest you (e.g., Ride Rock Creek, Mountain Creek Bike Park, Snow Summit Resort, or The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking).
- Register for the specific events you want to participate in.
- Prepare Your Gear
- Make sure you have a suitable downhill bike, safety gear (including a full-face helmet, knee pads, and protective clothing), and a passion for gravity-fueled action.
- Train and Practice
- Hit the trails! Train on downhill courses, practice technical skills, and build your confidence.
- Work on cornering, jumps, and speed control.
- Stay Updated
- Keep an eye on the event calendar and any updates related to the pandemic or event changes.
- Follow USA Cycling’s announcements and guidelines.
FAQs
How does the series work?
The series features the best downhill events in America and uses an overall ranking system to determine the top individual Elite Male and Female racers throughout the season.
Who sponsors the 2024 series?
Monster Energy partners with the series, which includes both pro and amateur racing. Expect an international field of professional athletes competing for the men’s and women’s overall series titles.
Is there a U.S. World Cup downhill stop in 2024?
Unfortunately, there won’t be a U.S. World Cup downhill stop in 2024, except for cross country events at Lake Placid. Mont-Sainte-Anne remains the sole North American World Cup downhill stop.
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