Away from the sleaze and gambling of Las Vegas, the Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon is always the highlight of the Interbike trade show. An added attraction this year will be the Bootleg Canyon Downhill Challenge, the first competitive event organised by the show itself.

The Mammoth Kamikaze we mentioned a couple days ago used to have an industry category, with the fastest journo or bike industry type getting an invite to the main race.

Now the folks who Interbike show are going to find out who’s the fastest downhiller in today’s bike industry and see if anyone’s faster than Interbike employee Leigh Donovan.

“OutDoor Demo is the world’s largest two-day outdoor demo event, and we’re doing new and different things to keep it on top,” said Pat Hus, managing director of Interbike.

“Where else can you test all the latest bikes, try-out awesome new gear and accessories – and then try and beat a former world and national champion?”

That champion is Leigh Donovan, who won the downhill world’s in 1995 and was NORBA (US) national champion nine times.

“This is going to be a fun event and I’m stoked to be a part of it,” said Donovan. “I encourage anyone with downhill skills to come on out and see if you can beat a 40-year old woman with a desk job.”

After retiring in 2001 Donovan worked in sports marketing with the energy drink that became  Monster Energy. She owned and ran a clothing boutique until taking time off to start a family. She joined Interbike in March of this year.

Interbike has brought in sponsors for the challenge including Scott Sports, Oakley, Go-Pro, One Industries, Shimano, Strava, Troy Lee Designs, FOX, and Sock Guy. There will be prizes for men and women for each day’s fastest time, the most attempts each day and the overall fastest time.

For more information see www.interbike.com/downhillchallenge