June 23, 2005 (Sandpoint, ID) — The Schweitzer Mountain Resort is proud to announce that they will host the NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycling Association) National Mountain Bike Race Series, July 14 – 17, 2005. For the third year in a row, the world’s top racers will return to Schweitzer for a competition known for its challenging and technical race courses.

Who is NORBA?
The National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) is a member association of USA Cycling, Inc. USA Cycling is the national governing body for competitive cycling in the United States. It is a member of the United States Olympic Committee and is the sole sanctioning body in the Unites States recognized by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

National Championship Series Concept
These events cater to all levels of athletes and enthusiasts to provide a fun and festive atmosphere. The goal of this series is to become the standard for international racing and event marketing through innovation and high customer service. Additionally, the series must attract new enthusiasts and provide complimentary entertainment values through mountain biking.

Who Participates?
As of December, 2000, NORBA reported 24,870 members, with most residing in the Western United States.
Racers: Average of 1,100 racers over the course of the 3 days.
Spectators: 8,000-9,000 spectators over the course of the 3 days.

NORBA events at Schweitzer:
Cross-Country
A variable distance, variable terrain race usually done in an 8 to 12 mile loop, which winds through a spectator friendly village.
Racers may enter in Beginner to Pro categories.

Downhill
The downhill course at Schweitzer was built specifically for this event. Spectators will see gladiator-clad cyclists using gravity to descend through near impossible chutes, drops and jumps. Racers may enter in Beginner to Pro categories.

Short Track
This spectator-friendly race is on a 1-mile loop in the Schweitzer village. The competition duration is 17 – 20 minutes plus 3 laps. The race is open to expert, semi-pro and pro classes only and is exhilarating to watch.

Mountain Cross
Speed and thrills are the descriptors of the Mountain Cross. This four person downhill race goes through a series of obstacles and jumps. Exciting to watch, and even more exciting to participate in. Open to all levels of riders.

Marathon
The marathon event is a mass start event for all participants, where men and women start simultaneously. The race covers 100km (60 miles) off the backside of Schweitzer.

Super D
Super D is a one run downhill format race, but unlike the downhill, it may not all be actually down hill. The course consists of small climbs and is not meant to be very technical. Course lengths vary by venue but generally will last 10-20 minutes. The start is a LeMans start meaning that competitors run to their bikes and mount them to race.

Schedule of Events: a full schedule of events is available upon request or online at www.schweitzer.com.

Village Area:
“¢100 Vendors/Tech Support Teams
“¢NORBA National Championship Sponsors
“¢Cycling and Sports Industry Representatives
“¢Product Sales and Demonstrations
“¢Interactive Promotions
“¢Food and Beverage Sales
“¢Awards Stage
“¢Professional Announcers and Musical Entertainment
“¢Course Features

Impact on Sandpoint, ID:
– Lifestyle
– Positive family-oriented lifestyle event
– Sporting event for all ages and abilities of racers and spectators
– Civic and community development through mountain biking
– Impetus to develop community youth mountain biking programs
– Tourism/Economy
– Positive impact on tourism business
– Gain/enhance reputation as mountain bike and quality tourism destination
– Direct, quantifi able economic impact on lodging, travel and food business
– Exposure/Media
– Site promoted on national television and national series web site
– Positive local, regional and national press coverage
– Host of Olympic sport
– Lodging: lodging is available by calling 800.831.8810 or visit www.schweitzer.com.

For more information on NORBA, visit the following websites: www.schweitzer.com, www.norbanationals.com.