During the kick-off party, youth racers will also have an opportunity to meet with some of Vail's top professional mountain bike racers and ask questions about the upcoming race season. Professional mountain bike racer Jay Henry, who leads out the youth racers during the seven race series, says he's excited to meet Vail's youth and help grow mountain bike racing in the Vail Valley. "It's really amazing to see the amount of talent and passion in the kids who race in the series," said Henry. "I got my start racing in the town series and I guarantee we will see these kids grow into incredible mountain bikers."

 

Youth races begin at 4:45 p.m. on most race days with day-of registration beginning at 4 p.m. New this year are beginner and sport categories for all age groups. New categories are as follows:

The 2016 youth race series schedule is as follows:

The Larkburger Youth Series, presented by KidSPORT, is for ages 8-17 and costs are $60 for the entire series, $10 for preregistered individual races and $15 on race day. Registration is available online and at Larkburger on May 24. Returning this year, youth racers will collect points over the summer and the champions will be recognized after the final race of the season. Prizes will be presented to the top three finishers of each category after each race, with series prizes awarded to the top finishers in each category at the end of the final race of the season. Raffle prize drawings will be held at each race awards ceremony, featuring products from area merchants and national companies.

 

Larkburger has partnered with the VRD the past six years to support the youth mountain bike race series. "Sponsoring the Youth Mountain Bike Series with the Vail Rec District has been a highlight of our summer for the past six years," says CEO and Co-Founder Adam Baker, "It gives me such joy to see these kids getting outside on their mountain bikes; we are so lucky to call the Vail Valley home for all of the recreational enjoyment it provides us."

 

The 2016 Youth Series is presented by Larkburger and KidSPORT. In addition to the Athletic Club at the Westin, East West Destination Hospitality, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and The Dusty Boot, sponsors of the 2016 race series include Vail Valley Medical Center, Town of Eagle, The Steadman Philippon Research Institute, The Steadman Clinic, Central Rockies Mortgage, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek, Apex Dental, POC, Optic Nerve, Outdoor Tech, Yellowbelly, Honey Stinger, Venture Sports, The Kind Bikes and Skis, Mountain Pedaler, Pedal Power and KZYR 97.7.

 

Registration, course information and start times are available by clicking here or calling 970-479-2280. For information on all other VRD programs and activities, visit www.vailrec.com or call 970-479-2279.

 

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The VRD is an equal service provider and operates under special permission from the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management.