May 27, 2008 (North Vancouver, BC) – Eighteen-year-old Canadian young gun Steve Smith (Can) Team Cove Bikes defeated a star-studded field to win the US Open of Mountain Biking at Diablo Freeride Park in New Jersey.

“This is a huge result for Steve. I am really excited for him heading into the rest of the season. He has proved that he can ride with the best in the World.” said Gabe Fox, marketing manager at Cove Bikes.

Fellow Canadian, Bryn Atkinson (Can) GT, finished third in the men’s race, and Marie Eve Marcotte (Can) Primary placed fourth in the women’s event.

In the Semi finals Steve secured a solid 3rd place finish behind 2-time World Champion Sam Hill and Andrew Neethling of South Africa.

“The track was amazing, rough as ever, I love riding at Diablo, I can’t wait for race day” stated Steve Smith after his semi final.

However, in the finals Steve stepped it up stomping onto the top of the podium for the first time this season. Steve edged out Sam finishing 2nd and last years winner Bryn Atkinson in 3rd.

“I feel amazing I am so stoked to win with so many great riders at the open.” said Steve after his win.

It was a great weekend for Cove Bikes. Steve’s team mate Andrew Mitchell took the win at Canada Cup #2 at Mt Tremblant. With the win he claimed the series leader’s jersey and secured a spot on the National Team and will now be representing Canada at the World Championships alongside Steve next month in Italy.

Cove Bikes is a North Shore based manufacturer of high-end freeride bikes. From its early inception as the core North Shore Bike Shop, to today as a cutting-edge bike manufacturer, Cove Bikes continues to lead the industry in progression and innovation.

Cove Bikes Factory Team is sponsored by Cove Bikes, SRAM, Rockshox, Avid, Truvativ, E-13, Troy Lee Designs, Dakine, Fiveten, Oakley, Crankbrothers, Mavic, Obtaimium Performance Products, Maxxis, ODI, WTB.

Elite Men

1. Steve Smith (Can) Cove/Redbull 2:36.7
2. Sam Hill (Aus) Monster Iron Horse 2:37.3
3. Bryn Atkinson (Can) GT 2:38.6
4. Matti Lehikoinen (Fin) MS Intense 2:41.0
5. Andrew Neethling (RSA) Mongoose 2:4

Elite Women

1. Fionn Griffiths (GBr) Norco 3:03.3
2. Kathy Pruitt (USA) Jamis 3:06.1
3. Joanna Patterson (RSA) 3:12.6
4. Marie Eve Marcotte (Can) Primary 3:25.2
5. Dawn Bourque (USA) 3:25.5