SilverStar B.C. Cup Downhill Race Action 2015.

Image Credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort/Jason Martin

VERNON - All levels of mountain bike racers — from up and comers to elite riders — can now register to compete in Silver Star’s BC Cup Downhill Race, the fifth stop in the 2016 BC Cup Series.

The series of six races prepares the best downhill athletes in the province for the national and international racing circuit. In addition to cash prizes, medals and giveaways, riders earn points in the series rankings. Racers who compete in five of the six BC Cup races are eligible to win the overall series, with tiebreakers set for the finals in Fernie on August 26-28.

Changes to the traditional race course on Dag’s Downhill, which is Silver Star’s most technical double black diamond trail, will make the event exciting and challenging for racers.

“We have been racing the Dag’s DH course for a number of years,” said Cam Sorensen, bike park manager. “It is still one of the favorite race courses out there, but it is time for a little change.”

“We are adding a brand new upper section and connecting it to the existing track just past the half way point. In the lower section we are opening some of the corners along with other updates,” said Sorensen. “We’ll be keeping it wide open and fast, which is the new age style of DH racing.”

Saturday, Aug. 6, is the official practice day, with entrants scoping out the course, training on the mountain and taking part in timed practice and seeding runs. At 5:30 p.m., the hugely entertaining Whip-off Competition starts up, followed by an evening “Biker Bash” party at The Red Antler. On Sunday, Aug. 7, practice runs go all morning with BC Cup racing kicking off at noon.

The popular Saturday Whip-off Competition.

Image Credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort/Jason Martin

“The SilverStar race is definitely one I look forward to each year,” said Salmon Arm’s Max Scharf, winner of the 2015 SilverStar BC Cup Expert Junior Men category. “The course is awesome, and the spectators are always good for a laugh!  I'd definitely like a repeat of last year, especially with it being so close to home.”

For non-racers, the rest of the hiking and biking trails will be open and uncrowded. Spectators can watch the exciting racing free of charge and partake in the village festivities, which will include music and a variety of vendors.

“We are excited to be hosting this event for the fifth consecutive year. It is a perfect fit with the continuing expansion of our summer events,” said Erik Kalacis, director of sales and marketing. “We are really pleased we can provide such a great venue for both participants and spectators to enjoy.”

“We host more and more people each year who come up to hike and ride the trails, take in the race and enjoy all the village activities,” said Kalacis. “For anyone who loves mountain biking, it’s the best place to be in the Okanagan.”

For more information on the 2016 SilverStar B.C. Cup Downhill race, visit SilverStar's website. For more information on the series, visit the Cycling B.C. website.

News from © iNFOnews, 2016