Escondido, California (February 22, 2012) – The ‘US Grand Prix of Mountain Biking’ is pleased to announce its race calendar for the 2012 season.  As the top national-level mountain bike calendar in the country, the MTB GP was created to consistently provide world-class athletes, as well as aspiring amateurs, with a competitive and fan-friendly atmosphere.

Dylan Dean, MTB GP Director, “I’m thrilled to be working with such great venues this year!  Having the ability to build up the new national series from scratch has been a long & hard road, but it’s great to see the final product come together.  With world class teams, racers, & industry supporting me, there is no limit to the potential!

The MTB GP kicks off in Port Angeles, Washington on April 28-29 with a stop at the NW Cup.  The second round of the series heads to the east coast the weekend before two North American World Cup rounds, with a stop at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont on June 16-17.  Following the World Cups, the MTB GP’s third round will take place at the Highland Bike Park in Northfield, New Hampshire on July 7-8.  The final round of the MTB GP will conclude back on the west coast the weekend before Crankworx on August 4-5 at Stevens Pass Resort in Skykomish, Washington.

Scott Tucker, NDub Productions, “We at the NW Cup are excited to take part in the inaugural US Grand Prix of MTB.  Gravity racing in the US is clearly on the road from obscurity on the world level, and a legit national points series is key in continuing on that path.  Dylan Dean has worked tirelessly to make this happen and I’m sure 2012 is just the tip of the iceberg.  See you at the races!”

Mark Hayes, Highland Bike Park, “Our first Grand Prix event at Highland Mountain Bike Park is shaping up to be our biggest race to date. The race comes just 1 week after the Windham World Cup event and if the stars are going to align it seems likely they will do it during the Grand Prix race at Highland.  We have worked with Dylan Dean in the past and he has proven to be the guy who can attract the racers. As a venue we need to prove that we can step it up so anticipate the Highland crew to add some new flavor to a course that seems to be a favorite among racers. It’s great to be working with Dylan Dean again and hosting a Grand Prix at Highland.”

The MTB GP will recognize the top professional and junior cat 1 amateur (age 17-18) racers in downhill utilizing a new points structure, offering overall titles for pro and jr cat 1 categories.

For more information please contact MTB GP director Dylan Dean at jdd@mtbgp.com 
or call 760-443-3344.