Vital MTB has earned a reputation for having some of the best World Cup Downhill race coverage on the web, thanks in part to our unique slideshow player. We are very excited to have recently launched a completely redesigned player that will help take our event coverage to the next level. The new player seamlessly integrates large images, audio, and video into a completely immersive experience. Combined with the creative force of Sven Martin and Gary Perkin, race coverage via our new player provides an insider’s perspective, giving you the feeling that you’re at the event. The new player also offers an impressive full-screen mode, has integrated navigation, is embeddable on other sites, and can be easily shared on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out the new player below featuring coverage from the Fort William World Cup. Hit the full-screen button, turn up the volume, and enjoy!

2011 Fort William World Cup DH Quali’s and 4X Finals — More Mountain Bike Photos

Gatorade recently partnered with Vital for a unique video contest. Their star BMX rider, Nigel Sylvester, edited a couple of All Day Sessions videos in a two of his favorite cities. The first one from Miami dropped last week, you can watch it here. Now Vital BMX members have a chance to bring Nigel to their hometown and win $500 by uploading a video showing their local riding spots and culture.

The contest just launched a few days ago and the entries are already coming in. Check Vital BMX for more updates.

Click the photo above to learn more about the contest

Vital MX Content Director Steve “GuyB” Giberson is on the road again following the national series.
Driving from race to race allows GuyB to get a unique insider’s perspective. It also allows him
to hit key events throughout the summer, like this week’s Kawasaki KX450F launch in Red Bud.

For those of you who’ve spotted the Vital MX truck at the races or on TV, keep your eyes peeled
on the infield for a new-and-improved version. Thanks to our friends at N-Fab the truck is looking
quite a bit sportier now (below is the truck before the upgrades).

You’d get a great view of the races if you could watch from the Vital truck.

Vital MX is proud to be partnered with MX Sports for the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross Nationals. It’s a special year for the series since it’s the 40th anniversary of American motocross. Congrats to MX Sports for continuing to grow and promote motocross.

Look for Vital MX banners at your local national.
Blake Baggett always looks good on the track, but we think he looks quite a bit better in this particular section of Hangtown.

Vital BMX and Vital MX recently helped Nike launch a big action sports campaign. For the first time ever, the iconic Nike “Just Do It” theme was brought to action sports. As you might expect, Nike did a great job executing a unique commercial. Watch the full-length commercial here.

The commercial ran in a number of high-profile places beyond action sports media, including during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. In addition, Nike is making a 3-D version that will show in movies theaters over July 4th weekend.

Garrett Reynolds scores a banger in the Nike Just Do It commercial

James Stewart and Ryan Dungey are the motocross stars of the commercial

The state of IBDs is a big topic of discussion in the bike industry these days, so I was intrigued to read the NY Times’ profile of Kopp’s Cycle. Founded in 1891, Kopp’s claims to be the oldest bike shop in the US. Heritage doesn’t seem to be paying the bills, however, as Kopp’s is struggling with problems common to many retailers these days. The article itself is interesting, but I thought the comments left by readers (nearly all of whom are outside our industry) offered the most insight. They ranged from generic retailing advice, to feedback from the shop’s current and former customers, to contempt for big banks.

The article is here, and the comments are here (scroll down).