WHISTLER, BC July 21, 2009 – Kokanee Crankworx’s big, new event for 2009 is the ultimate all-mountain challenge designed to ensure the all-mountain rider reigns supreme. The Canadian Open Enduro will let ‘er rip on Saturday, August 15 on a course where gravity will alternatively help and hinder the racer.

“This race is the ultimate test for the all-mountain rider,” says Seb Fremont, Summer Events Coordinator. “The course is being designed with significant input from some of the world’s best crosscountry, freeride, downhill and enduro riders. We have consulted with riders including Jason Moeschler, Brian Lopes, Mark Weir, Andreas Hestler, Richie Schley and local ripper Matt Ryan to create a course that provides a stage for riders of various backgrounds and skills to compete on. The winner will be the rider with the most complete package of skills and fitness.”

The Canadian Open Enduro is a one run, mass start race based on individual categories and Kokanee Crankworx organizers expect to see downhillers mixing it up with crosscountry riders. The course will begin at the top of the Garbanzo Express and will drop 3,800 vertical feet to finish in Whistler Village. What separates the Canadian Open Enduro from a traditional downhill event is the course will be interspersed with short, energy-sapping, pedaling sections set to add another 400-600 vertical feet to the race. The fastest race times are expected to be in the 25 minute range. The course has not been finalized yet so riders are encouraged to stay tuned to the Crankworx website for more details on the course layout.

“While we expect the perfect bike for this race will be a 140-150mm travel all mountain bike, we would not be surprised to see 20lb crosscountry bikes duking it out with 38+lb downhill rigs with 200mm travel,” says Fremont. “That’s the beauty of this event, based on their individual strengths every rider can, and will, approach it differently.”

Although race organizers are still waiting on final confirmations in the pro category, it is expected the $6,000 cash prize purse will attract some the world’s best in this emerging event concept. Registration is now open for the event in the amateur and professional categories with cash or prizing up for grabs.

Canadian Open Enduro Event Schedule

Friday, August 14

10:30–2:30pm Training on closed course for registered competitors

2:30pm-onward Course open to public and competitors for balance of day

Saturday, August 15

9-11am Training on closed course for registered competitors

11-1pm Race – Amateur category

12:30-1:30pm Race – Professional category

1-4pm Complimentary Physio/Massage - provided by Peak Performance at GLC

2pm Award Ceremony at Main Stage

Prize Money

1st Men - $2,250

2nd Men- $1,250

3rd Men - $700

1st Women - $1,000

2nd Women - $500

3rd Women - $300

Incredible prizing in the following categories will also be up for grabs: Junior Women, Amateur Women, Boys 13-15, Junior Men 16-18, Amateur Men 19-29 and Master Men 30+.

The registration event pages for Kokanee Crankworx can be accessed through http://www.crankworx.com or through http://www.karelo.com. Amateur registration fees are $55 plus GST and professional registration fees are $65 plus GST. Register online prior to August 6 and save a $10 on-site surcharge.

Space permitting, onsite registration will be available starting August 7. The Athlete Centre will be open from 12-5pm August 7 and then from 9am-3pm for the balance of Kokanee Crankworx. On-site registration will be available space permitting, as some events have caps on registration. No day-of registration will be offered, only check-in for pre-registered competitors. Advance registration is strongly recommended.

Keep up to date on all things Kokanee Crankworx through http://www.crankworx.com and make sure to add @Crankworx via Twitter for all the latest news.

Kokanee Crankworx is presented by Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Whistler has the world’s most diverse offering of mountain bike terrain for all ability levels, attracting all disciplines of mountain biking. With 150 miles of single-track trails throughout the valley, 5,000 vertical feet of lift-accessed downhill runs in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, jump parks, skill centres and 20-plus miles of paved Valley Trail, there’s truly something for every rider.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the spectacular new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, epic biking in North America’s number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. In the valley, the family-friendly Adventure Zone, sparkling mountain lakes and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly incredible. Check it out at http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com.