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Breck Epic: Stage 6, The Gold Dust Loop

(August 28, 2010)

Race report by Eddie Clark

An epic time had by all on top notch singletrack.

(Aug 27, 2010) BRECKENRIDGE, Colo—The Breck Epic finished up with more buff singletrack for the sixth and final stage of racing.  On another clear and chilly start, 150 some-odd weary racers lined up at the Ice Rink Park camping/staging/start and finish area for one last police escort up Boreas Pass road.  Although, most thought the police escort was more of a red line motor pacing session to string the field out before hitting the Barney Ford trail, which is exactly what happened.  After Barney Ford, racers hit up Nightmare on Baldy Trail, the Nightmare Transfer, the Pride Trail to Bakers Tank Trail, and then up and over Boreas Pass to the Gold Dust Trail before returning back to the finish in Breckenridge.

Coed Duo overall champion and stage winner Sonja Looney of Topeal/Ergon said, “The Gold Dust Trail was gleefull, fun and swoopy.  I was really lucky to have a great partner (Jeff Kerkove) to ride with for this race.  It was an awesome time”.

With stage six being a slightly easier stage that featured more dirt road riding into the typical classic fun singletrack, the road veterans were sure to play their cards.  The first racer off the front was Colby Pearce, who got a gap over the top 6 men’s open gc riders, and held it over the second ascent of Boreas Pass and all the way to the finish.  Jeremiah Bishop was once again quick to chase down the leader, but in doing so gave Jorge Espinoza a free ride on his wheel.  Espinoza used his road skills advantageously to drop Bishop and claim second place on the day for a stage that he won the previous year.

After 37 miles and 6000’ of climbing on the day, racers were treated to New Belgium beverages and plenty of snacks in the finish area.  Then later in the evening a racers banquet replete with lots of beverages, and a tasty catered meal with bbq chicken, bbq porks ribs and all the trimmings was devoured at the River Walk Park.  Once everyone had their fill, the day’s race and general classification awards were given, and all racers and staff were given the highly valued Breck Epic belt buckles.  Also up for grabs via raffle were thousands and thousands of dollars in swag from Copper Door Coffee, the Mountain Flyer Magazine, Ergon, Swobo, Giro, Hutchinson, DT Swiss, WTB, Fox, and Shimano.  One lucky racer even won a complete 2011 Shimano XTR gruppo, and several more won 2011 Fox forks of their choice.

In closing everyone was super happy to have been a part of the Breck Epic, and had no lack of gracious superlatives for the courses, staff, and fellow racers.  In fact, every racer that had competed in other mountain bike stage races was quick to note how the Breck Epic stood out above the rest.  Men’s 100+ duo winner and race veteran, Jon Bear noted, “The singletrack and quality courses is really awesome and sets the Breck Epic apart from other races I’ve competed in.  Likewise, women’s open racer Sara Uhl agreed, “Mike McCormack really put the epic in Breck Epic”.

Visit Breck Epic for full race results and information.

More photos here.

The start finish area was plenty chilly in the morning.	Mountain Flyer Magazine tech editor Jordan Carr rails the Gold Dust singletrack.	Colby Pearce used some good tactics and solid riding to take the victory on stage 6.
Race leader Jeremiah Bishop was on a tear to reel in Pearce on the return climb over Boreas Pass, but ultimately finished third.	#120 Garth Prosser makes his way up Boreas Pass.	Charlie Hays happily takes a beer feed at the retuning aid station.
Racers start down one last big downhill on their return to the finish.	Second place coed duo Team Erikson busted out the tandem to finish the Breck Epic in grand style.	Open women's racer Jen Tilley was easily identifiable on her color coordinated bike which featured much sought after white Schwalbe tires.
Duo Women's champ makes one last tricky corner before the finish.	Worn and ragged bikes take a well earned rest while their riders congregate at the finish pit area.	Open men's podium awards nearly filled the stage at the River Walk amphitheater.

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