Why Ride Downhill? The U.S. Open of Mountain Biking
7
The pros may steal the show at the U.S. Open, but it's the dedicated amateurs and fans that make our sport so incredible. Jack Rice reports from Killington.
The 2024 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking in Killington, Vermont, was the season ender to the inaugural Pro Downhill Series. And with the final World Cup DH in Mont-Sainte-Anne next week and Open class winners getting $15,000, the field was stacked with Elite level pros from around the globe. Jack Rice was there snagging shots and getting interviews, but instead of the usual questions with only top riders, we commissioned him to search the pits and ask amateur riders a simple question - Why Downhill?
While plenty of answers resonate around the excitement and action of what DH is, an overwhelming response praised the community as a reason for coming back to ride and race. It's the people that make our sport so special, and it's our hope that the comradery of the #USDH community continues to grow. Enjoy Jack's photos and interviews from the weekend.
Interview contents
0:00 - Intro
1:09 - Meredith Burnette
2:25 - Jamie Tate
3:18 - Dusty Mason
4:10 - Kerry Marshall
5:02 - "Scott and the fam"
6:33 - Jacob Dyke
8:57 - Bailey Gunter
11:04 - Cole Bernier
13:40 - Jack Burnette
21:54 - Tyson Henrie
23:55 - Tabias Spencer
24:59 - Lachie Stevens-Mcnab (Race Winner)
25:47 - Nina Hoffmann (Race Winner)
29:23 - Max Beaupre and Why NOT Downhill
31:51 - Tegan Heap
33:00 - Dylan Conte
36:20 - Lucas Dedora
36:57 - Anna Newkirk
38:37 - Chris Grice
39:50 - Clay Harper
The Burnette pits.Meredith BurnetteJack Burnette's FrameworksJack BurnetteJamie Tate's helmet honoring friends and fellow Naval soldiers.Dustin "Dusty" MasonDusty, dusted.Kerry Marshall"Scott and the fam."Jacob DykeBailey GunterCole Bernier and the adaptive crew.Tyson HenrieTabias SpencerLachie backs up qualifying and goes home $15,000 richer.So, Bowman, hope I didn't bankrupt ya.Lachie's winning Trek SessionNina Hoffmann cashing in once again!Nina's winning Santa Cruz V10Maple syrup (because it's Vermont) is part of the podium celebration. Oisin's look is priceless as Lachie does the syrup shoe-y.
Now for Jack's remaining photo selections in no particular order.
Fred BassettRIP, Scott Huntley.Remy Meier-SmithTahnee Seagrave. She didn't race after hitting her head in practice.
Lucas DedoraDylan ConteAngel SuarezBernard Kerr
Dante SilvaKailey Skelton
Gracey Hemstreet
Kye A'Hern
Greg Minnaar
Phoebe GaleDan SlackEmily ReillyAustin Dooley
Steve PeatLaurie GreenlandJarod Hanson, designated hype man.
Taylor OstgaardLucas CruzNeko Mulally
Frida RonningAletha OstgaardBlenki making the pass in the whoops!Joe BreedenOisin O'CallaghanAndreas KolbGeorge BranniganDakotah NortonLuca Shaw
Richie Rude
Jack ZenoniRyan PinkertonCole Suetos
Erice Van LeuvenZack Harper, Clay's son.
Anna Newkirk
Aaron GwinMille JohnsetMax BeaupreKirk McDowall
Suntour Holeshot winners, Matt Walker and Phoebe GaleTegan HeapJames McAllister's toolbox in the Crestline pits.Ryder LawrenceCash ShaleenMatt Walker
Asa Vermette sitting this one out with a broken back.
Kale CushmanChristian Hauser
Clayton Harper. The reason any of this exists right now.
View replies to: Why Ride Downhill? The U.S. Open of Mountain Biking
Comments