PR piece released from the team....
Topeak-Ergon takes 2 podium spots at the Breckenridge 100
July 14, 2013
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
You’ve tried the rest. Now take the test! Those are the words spoken by the Breck 100, arguably the hardest single day 100-mile mountain bike race in the USA. Consisting of 3 different loops in a clover lead pattern, racers ride the 3 distinctly different loops to cover 100 miles and climb nearly 13,000 ft. Not only is the course demanding, add in an average course elevation of 10,500 ft and the summer monsoon conditions, and you have all the elements to label this as the toughest mountain bike race in America.
Starting at 6 AM, racer would leave downtown Breckenridge to begin their ascent of Wheeler Pass, the high point of the race. Sonya Looney and Jeff Kerkove would represent the team on the day. This would be Sonya’s second time competing in the 100-mile event, and Jeff’s first. Both riders would have great starts, setting the tone for what would be a 9+ hour day on the bike.
Sonya would hold back her effort early in the race, planning for a strong finish. The effort would pay off, as she would work into 1st place about 40 miles in the race and hold on for the victory and a new female course record.
Sonya after her demanding victory, “I was excited to return this year with the idea that I might be able to set the course record. I had a pacing plan that worked perfectly and despite the pouring rain the last 20 miles, I was able to keep my focus and had good legs to finish strong. Breckenridge is my favorite place in the World to ride!
Jeff, would ride the day in the top part of the Pro Men’s field, having enough strength to finish in 5th place on the day. Jeff following his race, “I am super stoked with my ride, a lot of people struggle here with the Breck course. The course was super hard and the pouring rain late at 11,000 ft made for insane conditions! I found myself laughing late in the race, it was so ridiculous!”
Next up for Sonya is the Mongolia Bike Challenge and Jeff with team up with teammate Yuki Ikeda for the Breck-Epic Stage Race.
Results
Sonya Looney, 1st, Pro Women (New course record)
Jeff Kerkove, 5th, Pro Men
Strava file: http://app.strava.com/activities/67180813
Topeak-Ergon takes 2 podium spots at the Breckenridge 100
July 14, 2013
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
You’ve tried the rest. Now take the test! Those are the words spoken by the Breck 100, arguably the hardest single day 100-mile mountain bike race in the USA. Consisting of 3 different loops in a clover lead pattern, racers ride the 3 distinctly different loops to cover 100 miles and climb nearly 13,000 ft. Not only is the course demanding, add in an average course elevation of 10,500 ft and the summer monsoon conditions, and you have all the elements to label this as the toughest mountain bike race in America.
Starting at 6 AM, racer would leave downtown Breckenridge to begin their ascent of Wheeler Pass, the high point of the race. Sonya Looney and Jeff Kerkove would represent the team on the day. This would be Sonya’s second time competing in the 100-mile event, and Jeff’s first. Both riders would have great starts, setting the tone for what would be a 9+ hour day on the bike.
Sonya would hold back her effort early in the race, planning for a strong finish. The effort would pay off, as she would work into 1st place about 40 miles in the race and hold on for the victory and a new female course record.
Sonya after her demanding victory, “I was excited to return this year with the idea that I might be able to set the course record. I had a pacing plan that worked perfectly and despite the pouring rain the last 20 miles, I was able to keep my focus and had good legs to finish strong. Breckenridge is my favorite place in the World to ride!
Jeff, would ride the day in the top part of the Pro Men’s field, having enough strength to finish in 5th place on the day. Jeff following his race, “I am super stoked with my ride, a lot of people struggle here with the Breck course. The course was super hard and the pouring rain late at 11,000 ft made for insane conditions! I found myself laughing late in the race, it was so ridiculous!”
Next up for Sonya is the Mongolia Bike Challenge and Jeff with team up with teammate Yuki Ikeda for the Breck-Epic Stage Race.
Results
Sonya Looney, 1st, Pro Women (New course record)
Jeff Kerkove, 5th, Pro Men
Strava file: http://app.strava.com/activities/67180813
Photos by Eddie Clark Media and Mountain Moon Photography