USA MTB Grand Prix: Sugarbush, VT

After kicking off in Port Angeles way back in April, action picked up again with round two of the MTB Grand Prix in Vermont. Sugarbush Resort was the venue and while they have a history of running regional races for many years this was the first time they have stepped up to host a round of the national series, and they didn't disappoint.

The Track started off at full speed right out of the gate and stayed out of the ski slopes for the first minute with a combination of rough and rocky ledges and large bermed corners.

Brad Benedict

Lauren Daney not slowing down for the pretty flowers



Riders then entered the "Eden Woods" where they found off camber rock slabs, G-outs, lots of rocks and even more roots, all held together by loamy brown dirt. With sunny skies and temps in the high 80's all weekend, the only thing lacking on the course was mud... but no one seemed to be complaining about that.

Jason Memmelaar

Austin Warren headed into the woods


Kiwi rider Justin Leov feeling at home Amongst the giant ferns

With two rounds of the World Cup falling right on the heals of the MTB Grand Prix there was no shortage of top riders in attendance who were using the event as a bit of a tuneup, including Trek World Racing, Specialized USA, DRD Intense, and a large contingent or riders from Australia and New Zealand.

Matt Dodd came all the way from Australia and has rented an RV to travel around the US from race to race

New Zealand's Kieran Bennett on the new Zerode






Seeding took place on Saturday with Justin Leov leading the charge just in front of Neko Mulally and Mitch Ropelato. For the Women, Lauren Daney kept her hot streak going by setting the fastest time with Joanna Petterson, and Katie Holden in tow.

Justin Leov

Lauren Daney

Logan Mulally

Austin Warren

Sunday was race day and riders hit the track early trying to find the extra seconds they were missing after the seeding runs. And while some put in impressive rides in the finals, like DRD Intense's Austin Warren who ended up 4rth at just 17 years of age, no one was able to knock Justin Leov or Lauren Daney from the top spot.

Pro Men Final:
1. Justin Leov 3.24.85
2. Mitch Ropelato 2.26.57
3. Neko Mulally 3.29.75
4. Austin Warren 3.31.72
5. Curtis Keene 3.32.43


Pro Women Final:
1. Lauren Daney 4.16.39
2. Joanna Petterson 4.18.65
3. Katie Holden 4.22.41
4. Kristen Courtney 4.43.15
5. Kate Parhiula 4.57.61






Austin Warren of DRD Intense. 17 years old and 4th place.


Jeremiah Dylan Dean, The man behind the MTB GRand Prix and the DRD Intense team with Women's winner Lauren Daney

Thank You Sugarbush for putting on a terrific race.

The MTB Grand Prix will make its third stop July 6th - 8th at Highland Mountain Bike Park in New Hampshire.