Latest News – January 27

Winter, Tri It They Did at 10,200 Feet in Leadville

Last Saturday’s (Jan. 23) Aria Club and Spa Winter Tri held at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) in Leadville saw an encouraging increase in participation with 31 competitors taking on the individual and team challenges. The race consists of a 5K snowshoe, 10K snow-bike and an 8K skate-ski competition.

The 2016 Winter Tri men’s winners: 1st place Ross Delaplane (middle), 2nd place Eric Black (right), 3rd place Dan Nielsen (left).

“It was a beautiful day and all competitors were extremely impressed with both the college’s Nordic trails and the relatively new  snow bike trails designed by The Cloud City Wheelers and CMC,” said Bruce Kelly, Winter Tri race organizer.

Last year’s men’s winner reclaimed his top place on the podium again in 2016. Congratulations to Ross Delaplace who came in first, followed by Eric Black and Dan Nielsen. On the women’s side Mia Stockdale reached the finish line first, with Lisa Isom and Leadville’s Roxanne Hall rounding out the podium. In the group competition, it was Leadville’s Team Community Threads who took top honors, represented by racers Mark “Smokey” Burgess and Kelli McCall. For complete results and times for each sport: LINK.

The 2016 Winter Tri Team Results: 1st place Team Community Threads (middle), 2nd place Team Last Minute (right), 3rd place Team High Mountain Pies (left).

This is the third event of the 2015/2016 Pedal Power Winter Race Series.  The non-profit series, now in its 20th season, benefits local charities in Lake and Eagle Counties.

“We would like to thank Paul Raschke with CMC for all his support and excellent grooming of the nordic ski trails,” said Kelly, adding, “And Sterling Mudge and The Wheelers for the great single track winter bike trails. Everyone participating was extremely impressed!”

The 2016 Winter Tri women’s winners: 1st place Mia Stockdale (not picture), 2nd place Lisa Isom (right), 3rd place Roxanne Hall (left).

The next event in the Winter Race Series will be Feb. 6 at the Eagle-Vail Golf Course and Pavilion. The Eagle-Vail Metro District Snow Mountain Bike Race registration opens at 10 a.m. The Eagle-Vail venue, located in the heart of the Valley, has been a favorite since the Pedal Power series began in 1996.  Registration for this event is $20.  Registration is also possible for $25 on the day of the event at the race start. Participants can save time by pre-registering directly online at pedalpowerbike.com. They can also register with forms from Pedal Power Bicycle Shop in Eagle-Vail or by calling 970 845-0931.

January’s Full Moon Lights Up First WinterBike Race

The Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series kicked off on January 23 under a full moon at Copper Mountain. Recent rolling winter storms brought generous amounts of snow, providing great conditions.

January’s full moon helped light-up the race course for fat-tire cyclists at last Saturday’s WinterBike at Copper Mountain. Photo: Cloud City Wheelers website.

And while Mother Nature showed up on her end, it was the hard work from volunteers with Leadville’s local bike club, the Cloud City Wheelers along with ski resort employees who built the top-notch fat tire race course.

“The 127 finishers made for an amazing night!” said race organizer Sterling Mudge of Leadville. “Thanks to everyone for coming out!” For FULL RACE RESULTS.

Winter fat-tire cycling has become one of the fastest growing segments of the mountain biking industry in recent years. So if you’re looking to hop on the recreational bandwagon, be sure to mark your calendar for the second race in the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series; it’s the locals’ favorite. The Tennessee Pass Night Jam will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. out at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, adjacent to Ski Cooper.

For registration information or to volunteer, connect HERE.