For Immediate Release: August 2, 2006

Media Contact: Allison Johnson
Phone: (970) 704-9988
Cell: (970) 309-5485
Email: aj@snowmasspress.com

2006 National Mountain Bike Series Finals Descends on Snowmass Village, CO August 12-13, 2006

Free chairlifts accommodate riders and spectators all weekend long

(Snowmass Village, CO) Snowmass Village is thrilled to welcome North America's most prestigious mountain bike series, National Mountain Bike Series (NMBS), to town August 12-13, 2006. In celebration of its designation as the host for the national finals, Snowmass is opening the Burlingame and Coney Glade chairlifts for free to both competitors and spectators August 10 through August 13.

Additionally, the Snowmass Downhill event will be extended over 500 vertical feet further to the base of the Burlingame Chairlift.

"We are so pleased to host the National Mountain Bike Series in Snowmass Village this year and we look forward to welcoming all riders to town," says marketing director Susan Hamley with the town of Snowmass Village. "This is an incredible honor for Snowmass, and we will do everything in our power to make sure the event runs smoothly and competitors get a chance to explore all the great trails and hospitality that Snowmass offers."

The top of the Downhill course will be accessed by taking the Burlingame Chairlift to the Coney Glade Chairlift. Practicing riders will have the option of riding the course top to bottom or cutting off at the Coney Glade chairlift to ride it up again.

The National Mountain Bike Series, which is expected to bring several thousand amateur and professional mountain bikers to town, has competitions in cross country, downhill, mountain cross, dual slalom, super-d, short track, and observed trials events. The event also has received the prestigious Union Cyclist International (UCI) designation, ensuring participation from all 50 states and a huge international field of riders vying for UCI points on their way to the World Championships. Team Honda will be in town, as will the Rainbow Jersey worn by former downhill World Cup Champion Greg Minaar.

While the main staging area for all competitions will be near the stage on Fanny Hill, Colorado's largest cycling expo will be located in lots 10 and 11. This year Expo crew have the option to set up satellite tents (no trucks allowed) and equipment near the finish line on Fanny Hill as well.  

The schedule of events includes many non-competitive outlets for the entire family with daily demos, clinics, free kids races, nightly music and more. Evenings are filled with entertainment courtesy of Pabst Blue Ribbon, which hosts post-competition celebrations on Friday at the Cirque beginning at 5:00 pm and on Saturday at the Mountain Dragon beginning at approximately 7:00 pm. Both venues boast specials and prize giveaways.

The mountain staff and the Snowmass Village community are committed to making the annual Snowmass National the best event in the nation.

For more information, please contact Bigfoot Productions at (970) 333-1159 or email info@snowmassnational.com