US MTB NATLS: Day 1 Preview

We're racing! Okay, maybe not just yet, but the US MTB Championships (aka Cougar Mountain Classic) opened today at Infineon Raceway [ MAP ]. It looks like they opened a day early to allow for more onsite registration (online registration closed on Saturday) as well as some additional XC / Marathon practice time. On today's schedule is:

• Onsite Registration (12-5)
• XC Practice (12-5)
• Marathon Practice (12-5)

It looks like the event organizers are going to be pretty good about XC practice this year; You'll have practice time on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Also of note today is the news that the event organizers will have a nice lounge to watch the Tour de France:

Infineon Raceway officials have taken things one step further with the Tour de France Lounge, which will be located in the main paddock and open to the public (free). It will showcase the Tour de France on six television sets daily beginning at 6:30 a.m., and the lounge will also feature couches, chairs, spin-bikes for cyclists, a massage area and cycling art work. Meridian Sports Clubs of California is providing many of the elements featured in the Tour de France Lounge.

A café experience will also highlight the lounge, complete with coffee, lattes, espresso, smoothies, energy drinks, muffins, pastries, fresh fruit and power bars. It’s a great way for race fans and competitors to keep tabs on the Tour de France while competing in this weekend’s Infineon Cougar Mountain Classic.

The coffee better be good. There isn't a Peet's within mile of the raceway.