The Winter Park Mountain Bike Race Series, which is Colorado’s largest cross-country series with nearly 4,000 riders annually, marks its 16th season this year with a new event: a Super Downhill race. 

The series includes seven races over the course of the summer, the first one being on June 14 and the last on Aug. 30. Winter Park Resort is located in Winter Park, Colo., about two hours’ drive west of Boulder, Colo.

Formats vary for each race, but always include male and female rider divisions ranging from ages 15 and younger to 60 and older. All races start on a wave system, allowing riders to start with fellow members of the same classification. Medals are awarded for the top three riders for each age class in the beginner, sport, expert and professional categories. A fun “Clydesdale” classification recognizes those riders weighing 200 pounds or more.

The series schedule is as follows:
June 14: Hill Climb Kickoff
June 29: Mountain Circuit
July 19: Valley Point-to-Point
July 20: Super Downhill
Aug. 2: Crankworx Colorado Cross-Country Race
Aug. 16: Cross Country Race
Aug. 30: King of the Rockies – Tipperay Point-to-Point (Series Finale)

Adult registration for a single race costs $35, or $45 on race day, or adult riders can sign up for all six races for $160. For registration and further pricing information, visit www.epicsingletrack.com. Virtual tours and video of the 2007 Winter Park Race Series are available through that Web site, as well.

Top left: The starting line of a 2007 Winter Park Mountain Bike race in Winter Park, Colo.