Dew Tour begins season with Nike 6.0 BMX Open in Chicago

 

The fifth season of the Dew Tour begins today with the Nike 6.0 BMX Open at Chicago's Grant Park.

Competing will be some of the top BMX athletes, including four-time Dew Cup vert champion Jamie Bestwick, Dave Mirra and Daniel Dhers.

In addition to the vert, dirt and park disciplines, the BMX Open will include a street specialty competition with Garrett Reynolds, Sean Sexton and Van Homan.

Saturday's action will be televised live at 11 a.m. on NBC.

The five-city tour also visits Boston, Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City, culminating with the final in Orlando, Fla.

Competitors are vying for part of a $2.5-million purse based on overall tour standings.

The complete 2009 Dew Tour schedule:

June 26-27        Nike 6.0 BMX Open                                                                     Chicago

July 24-25         Skate Open/ISF Skateboarding World Championships            Boston

Aug. 13-16        Wendy's Invitational                                                                Portland, Ore.

Sept. 17-20       Toyota Challenge                                                                         Salt Lake City

Oct. 15-18         PlayStation Pro                                                                            Orlando, Fla.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Cameron White competes in the BMX dirt finals during the 2008 Dew Tour. Credit: Bo Bridges / For the Dew Tour