Mount Snow improves courses

Vermont's Mount Snow, in conjunction with the US Forest Service and leaders in the mountain biking community, has redesigned both its cross country and downhill courses for the upcoming ProXCT Tour stop there on August 7-9.

The new cross country course will feature less fireroad riding and more riding over roots and rocks - something for which Mount Snow's races are famous.

"There's something about how the mayhem that is the trails around West Dover finds a way to flow perfectly with your bike and body that continues to mystify me," said Adam Craig, who is the current short track national champion and who won the 2008 national cross country championships at Mount Snow."It also keeps me coming back and cackling with laughter to myself as I get away with murder on a regular basis." Craig is one of the favorites for the men's race.

On the women's side, fans will watch for riders like Mary McConneloug, who claimed the 2007 and 2008 national cross country titles when the race was run at Mount Snow.

The downhill course was moved so as to allow non-racers to continue to ride the other downhill trails on site throughout the weekend while the racing is happening.

The weekend's racing which will be part of a new Mount Snow Mountain Bike Festival, will include four cross, short track, super D, cross country and downhill events.

A parking fee of $10 per day will be charged, with 100 percent of the fee going to re-vegetating the race courses immediately after the racing.

After the races conclude on Sunday, non-pros will have a chance to try out the national-caliber courses.

For more information, visit www.mountsnow.com.