Park City mountain biker to ride in Jeep King series

PARK CITY — He's one of the most daring and innovative mountain bikers in the United States. He is one of a few able to pull off a back flip with a barrel roll.

Yet, Chris Van Dine toils in near anonymity as a professional mountain biker.

"It's all right," said Van Dine, a Pennsylvania native who has called Park City home for the past few years. "It's what I do, and I'm OK with that." Van Dine, though, might soon make a much bigger name for himself. On Saturday, at The Canyons Resort, the Cannondale-sponsored biker will be one of a select group of athletes invited to compete in the Jeep King of the Mountain Series.

The event, which will use a unique "Y-Cross" format, will pit racers against each other as they race down the mountain on parallel courses before merging on the final descent and battle it out for the best line on the narrow trail. The upper portion of the race will undoubtedly see some risk-taking as cyclists hope to hit the merge at least a bike length ahead of their opponent and not have to figure out a way to pass before crossing the finish line.

"It's going to be fun," Van Dine said. "It's a lot different than most people are used to, so I'm pretty excited about it."

Van Dine, who just wrapped up a big weekend of racing at Whistler in Canada, frequently races against the best the world has to offer in World Cup events in Europe as well as NORBA competitions closer to home. The 27-year-old, though, didn't expect to be part of this exclusive series of races that have a $100,000 purse and the keys to a new Jeep waiting for the winner.

International stars such as World Cup champs Michal Prokop of the Czech Republic and Jill Kintner of Seattle will racing against standouts Brian Lopes and Wade Bootes in the men's bracket and Tara Llanes and Melissa Buhl for the women.

The big purse has attracted the attention of CBS, as well. Though on tape delay, the television network will broadcast the series — other races will be held in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Beaver Creek, Colo. — later this month.

For his part, Van Dine wants to compete well and let the big boys on the pro tour he's for real.

"I heard about it and wanted to get involved since it was practically in my back yard," Van Dine said. "I contacted them and they got back in touch with me and invited me to race. I'm very excited about it." Mountain biking, which suffers from an exposure problem in some regards, is hugely popular and is growing each year. But with the majority of the biggest races being held overseas, domestic mountain bike racing isn't as well known or recognized. At Deer Valley a month ago, crowds were sparse at a National Mountain Bike Series event despite the presence of most top American riders.