Pro downhiller Miranda Miller adapted to slick conditions to win the U.S. Open of Mountain Biking in Vernon, New Jersey on Sunday (May 24).
The 19-year-old was awarded $5,000 in prize money and earned a valuable boost to her young professional career, beating some of the best female riders in the world. It was also the perfect ending to a trip that included two World Cup competitions in Europe.
"It gave me more confidence that I can be up there because my goal this year was to get a top 12 or top 10 at a World Cup. I know I can do well now so it's a little bit of a confidence boost for me, for sure," said Miller, who had a tough start in Europe, failing to qualify for the World Cup is France, but earning a solid 15th place finish in Andorra.
She's now getting used to seeing her name next to men's World Champion Sam Hill, who won the men's U.S. Open.
"Reading articles it's like, 'Sam Hill and Miranda Miller.' It's definitely really cool," she said.
On qualifying day of the U.S. Open, hard rains made the rocky course slippery and Miller went over her bars near the top. However, she didn't let the accident rattle her and she still qualified.
Race day started dry but torrential rains changed the nature of the course to a slick ride once again. Racers had to adapt since their practice runs were dry, said Miller.
"It was kind of a gamble for everyone because the course was wet so everyone's race was a little hairball," she said.
Miller was fourth to race out of a field of 17 riders and earned her spot on the hot seat with a time of three minutes five seconds 47 hundredths of a second. Although she was nervous watching the remaining riders bomb down the course, she might as well have made herself comfortable.
Kathy Pruitt and Fionn Griffiths, who won last year's U.S. Open, both finished less than one second slower than Miller to place second and third respectively.
"It was super nerve-racking watching everyone come down," said Miller. "I kept thinking, ah no, they got me."
Coach Shaums March said he was ecstatic for Miller. The victory is a huge stepping stone for her as she proves she is one of the riders to beat in her rookie season.
"It's very important for her mental outlook on her racing because all the top of the top are there. It's a big money race where most people will split out on a different type of a race because it will cover the next couple of months if they can win it," he said.
Of course, most of the money is going back into the sport to pay for traveling expenses. Miller is sticking around home for most of June to race in a couple B.C. Cups and Valleycliffe's Rock Star Downhill Invitational, which is part of Test of Metal weekend June 20 and 21.
Later in the summer, she expects to compete at a Canada Cup, Nationals and two World Cups in Quebec.
