$15,000 for both Open Men’s and Women’s classes was up for grabs today at the 2023 U.S. Open of Mountain Biking in Killington, Vermont. The turnout featured Elite World Cup competitors and local talent of all ages as they tackled the Goat Skull track. While not steep, the course is full of great dirt and is a challenge when it comes to conserving momentum and keeping speed.

Take a lap down the track with Dakotah Norton and Joe Breeden

Vital RAW from Thursday’s practice session

Nina Hoffmann backed up her 2022 win today with another victory and $15,000 in her pocket. She down a heater with a 3:01.395, over 3 seconds ahead of 2nd place and fastest qualifier, Aletha Ostgaard. Aletha, who just turned 15, made a mark on the race with her 2nd-place finish today. Anna Newkirk took home 3rd with Jill Kintner in 4th and Matilda Melton rounding out the top 5.

Open Women’s Results

#USDH men stay on top against a solid foreign contingent of World Cup hitters as Dakotah Norton and Asa Vermette go 1 and 2 at the 2023 U.S. Open. Asa, who is just 16 and unable to compete at the World Cup level yet, put down a smoking run to oust Greg Minnaar (3rd) from the hotseat by just .1 second. As Dakotah, fastest qualifier, came down last, his splits looked so off pace that it seemed unlikely he could claw back enough time for victory. He was 1.5 seconds back at split 3, but split 4 showed he was in touch, just .4 off, and Dak put it together in the last sector to win by just over a second! Dak’s teammate, Joe Breeden, who kept the hotseat warm for the majority of the race took 4th with Jackson Goldstone rounding out 5th.

Open Men’s Results

Whip-Off awesomeness from Saturday night

Vital will have the full race replay from The Gravity Cooperative dropping on Monday, so stay tuned for the action!