Topeak-Ergon sweeps the Duo Men category of the Breck-Epic
August 11-17, 2013
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
In 5 short years, the Breck-Epic has set its self up as one of the toughest backcountry mountain bike stage races in the World. Lasting 6-days, covering 240 miles, and climbing nearly 38,000 feet, the Breck-Epic traverses through the Colorado backcountry around Breckenridge, Colorado
In 2013, Topeak-Ergon athletes, Yuki Ikeda and Jeff Kerkove, entered the Duo Men category. For 6-days, Yuki and Jeff would race side by side against a handful of other teams. This was the first time that Yuki and Jeff have raced together, but it proved to be the perfect combo.
To make the week more interesting, Yuki and Jeff would have to race with Yuki’s lingering fatigue. The day prior to starting the Breck-Epic, Yuki raced the Leadville 100 finishing 20th. Fatigue would not be a limiter, as the team would win Stage 1 by 10 minutes over the 2nd place team. The rest of the week would be very successful. Having good fitness and no mechanicals all week, Yuki and Jeff would take the win on all 6 stages.
Yuki Ikeda after finishing the Leadville 100 and Breck-Epic back-to-back effort, “Breck Epic 6 Day was a big challenge to me because it started the day after racing Leadville Trail 100. I had hard time for the first three days, but surprisingly started feeling better and better in the last three days. I was able to finish strong thanks to my duo team mate, who pushed my limit and encouraged me for the 6 days.”
Jeff following the week of racing, “Yuki and I worked well together, the effort was streamlined. Yuki pushed me as hard as I could go both uphill and down, figured for sure Leadville would have slowed him down a bit, but it didn’t. Feeling fortunate to of had good legs, partner, and equipment to take the win!”
Next up for Yuki is the Grand Junction Off-Road in Colorado prior to heading back to Japan. Jeff has a very short recovery period as he heads to Costa Rica for the Rincon de La Vieja Challenge, Latin America’s first 100-mile mountain bike race.
Results
Jeff Kerkove & Yuki Ikeda, 1st Place, Duo Pro Men
