Jeep 48Straight MTB Series Attracts World's Elite

Four-time World Champion Brian Lopes is on board. So too is four-time Australian National Champion, Jared Rando. As are U.S. National Champions Cody Warren, Rich Houseman and Geritt Beytagh. Don't forget about newly anointed Crankworx Champion, JD Swanguen. Or for that matter, female super stars Fionn Griffiths, a three-time World Cup winner and Melissa Buhl, the reigning World Champion and U.S. National Champion. These are just a few of the many celebrated national and international standouts that will be traveling to Diablo Freeride Park in Vernon, N.J., on August 22-23 for the Jeep 48STRAIGHT Mountain Bike Series. They will be chasing a share of the richest cash payout in the sport, as well as an individual event title, points toward the season championship and some serious CBS Sports exposure. Local professionals and semi-pros also have a chance to steal the show through the Jeep 48STRAIGHT Open Qualifier, capped at 75 men and 25 women, which will grant entry to a select few into the championships. Additional details and event registration can be found at www.48straight.com. Whether you are a competitive cyclist, casual rider or just a fan of music, entertainment and the arts, Diablo Freeride Park is the place to be this coming weekend, as the summer version of the largest sports, music and entertainment event in the U.S. rolls into town with not only world class mountain bike racing, but also concerts and a host of social and environmental activities – all designed to empower people to celebrate and connect with the outdoor lifestyle. For non-professional mountain bikers, an Indy-Cross race will allow amateur and club level athletes to test their mettle and earn prizes by trying to beat a blistering pace set by one of the top riders in the sport on Diablo Freeride Park’s challenging racecourse. Off the dirt, guests may walk the race grounds and take in the Sponsor Expo, Environmental Eco-Alley and Beer Garden, as well as a free post-race concert by Hell’s Belles, a renowned AC/DC tribute band. Full event information, including dates, times, and locations, as well as registration for the cycling competitions, may be found at www.48straight.com.