Breck Epic Stage Race - A true Alpine Adventure

Ramirez and Looney claim first solo victories with stellar high altitude performances.

(August 14-19, 2011) BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.—In its third year running, the Breck Epic provided another epic mountain bike alpine adventure of a race for all who were tough enough to take it on.  New for 2011 was an additional three day race that was held in conjunction with stages 2-4 for those who didn’t have a full week or weren’t quite ready to take on the full 240 mile six day stage race.

As every racer will attest, the Breck Epic is a real mountain bike race that features lung busting climbs at altitude and an abundance of top quality Rocky Mountain singletrack that brings a smile to every racers face.  Men’s singlespeed overall victor Vince Anderson quipped, “It’s hard riding, and like playing around in Star Wars.  You can’t not smile here.”

For the third edition the international racer list grew even bigger, and there were also a list of accomplished racers that took on the 6-day challenge.  Notably, three time La Ruta champion Lico Ramirez of Costa Rica showed up with some stellar fitness to give the local pro’s a run for their money.  By the week’s end Ramirez claimed victories in stages 1, 2 and 4, and also unseated former champion Josh Tostado for the overall men’s solo Breck Epic victory.

Tostado however did prove to be a worthy competitor by leading or riding near the front on every stage, and he also won the infamous stage 3 Guyot Loop which crossed the Continental Divide twice at altitudes above 11,000 and 12,000 feet.  By the end, Tostado was 3^rd on GC, and Cameron Chambers’ consistent performances earned him 2^nd on GC.

Returning veteran Sonya Looney (Ergon) decided to go solo for her second year of racing the Breck Epic, and in doing so won the general classification with impressive riding that took her to four stage victories.  Selene Yeager and Catherine Lindquist rounded out the women’s podium with second and third place in the overall women’s solo 6 day race.

Fresh off a stellar ride at the Leadville Trail 100, Yuki Ikeda won the first and third stage to seal up the overall victory in the three day stage race in the solo men’s competition.  Tina Martinez battled back and forth with Elizabeth Overstreet to win the women’s solo three day race.