By Rebecca Reza — SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 27, 2024) — Elizabeth Dixon clenched victory on the final Gila Monster Road Race to wrap a tough, five days of racing in Silver City. The FOUNT Cycling Guild rider finished over a minute ahead of the Tour of the Gila 2024 overall leader, Lauren Stephens of Cynisca Cycling. Dixon’s teammate, Eleanor Wiseman finished third to wrap the podium.
Having not only hung onto the New Mexico True leader jersey, Stephens used the fifth stage to increase the margin of her win as well. “This feels really incredible to do so well in this race. My first time here was in 2012, and it’s a race that makes you decide if you really want to bike race or not. I kept at it, and here I am many, many years later, winning the race.”
With plans to race in the 2024 Olympics this summer, Stephens affirmed that Tour of the Gila provided training that will be essential to her performance in Paris. Her team, Cynisca, also took the team GC with, trailed by FOUNT Cycling Guild then DNA Pro Cycling.
Going into Sunday’s UCI Women’s Stage 5 Gila Monster Road Race, excitement was understandably at an all-time high Not only would this stage determine final rankings for the pro women overall at the 2024 Tour of the Gila, but it’s also an incredibly advanced course that even the strongest riders face with some trepidation.
Emily Dixon (Fount Cycling) wins Stage 5 at the Tour of the Gila. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
With a background in ballet, FOUNT’s Dixon had warmed up for the stage with a few pirouettes in the Town of Silver City administration building parking lot—her teammates the audience. FOUNT Cycling Guild’s Alia Shafi came in fourth place on the stage, and taking three of the top four spots on one of the nation’s most difficult road race courses is a testament to the program, which provides the support to talented athletes working their way up in the sport.
Jennifer Wheeler and David Richter, who are the owners and founders of FOUNT Cycling Guild, said, “There’s no way to prove yourself unless somebody’s willing to invest in you before you get the big results.”
A result on the Gila Monster Road Race is huge. The 65.9-mile course started in Gough Park in downtown Silver City, followed US 180 and NM 152 through the Mimbres, then took NM 35 to the intersection with NM 15 before turning up the climb from Sapillo Creek towards Pinos Altos for the finish. Only the first 20 miles of the course includes wide roads with paved shoulders; the remainder of the stage consists of narrow, curved roads, two incredibly technical, high-speed descents, and three climbs that totaled 5,487 vertical feet ascended.
Paredes Ascends to Gila Monster Road Race Victory for Team Medellín
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 27, 2024) — Team Medellín’s Wilmar Paredes conquered the Gila Monster Road Race presented by Gila Regional Medical Center, cresting the finish for victory over a minute ahead of second place Ian Lopez of Aevolo Cycling and Tyler Stites in third for Project Echelon. On the final stage of Tour of the Gila 2024, the Colombian also secured the King of the Mountains classification and polka-dot jersey.
Stites crossed the line a short time later celebrating his first overall victory at a UCI race, with a 54-second margin ahead of Team Medellín’s Walter Vargas and Paredes in third. “The team was just amazing today,” Stites said. “I didn’t touch the wind a single time until the last 200 meters. We controlled the race from start to finish, which made it easy on me. This win is big for me and the team; it’s the team’s first UCI GC victory which was a big goal for us this season, so we’re very happy.”
The pro men faced 100.6 miles with 9,957 vertical feet of climbing on the final day of racing at the Tour of the Gila. As the peloton saw the flag drop at kilometer zero, many teams tried to establish a break, but the field refused to allow anything to stick. First, Aevolo jumped, then CS Velo attacked the field, they gained a slight advantage before being joined by Team California, finally getting caught once again.
As the field made the turn entering the Mimbres Valley, Conn McDunphy (Team Skyline), Ulises Castillo (Above & Beyond Cancer), and Fabio Duarte (Team Medellín) escaped to gain a slight advantage. They held up to a 1:25 gap before getting caught rounding Lake Roberts as they began to scale the mountains.
Wilmar Paredes (Team Medellin) conquers the Gila Monster on Stage 5. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
The final stage saw a head-to-head battle in the King of the Mountain classification, between Heiner Parra of Canel’s-Java and Team Medellín’s Paredes. A three-point margin separated the two Colombians at the start, with Paredes in the lead. Parra had won the classification the previous two years and was just shy of leading the points en route to his third.
Paredes notched the first two KOM sprint points before Parra attacked just shy of the third. Paredes countered with one kilometer to go, catching Parra as the two eyed each other. Paredes launched once again within 500m to crest the mountain first, securing the mountain classification sponsored by Freeport McMoRan. Waiting to greet his team at the finish, disappointment was apparent on his face despite winning the stage.
“Heiner [Parra] made the race very difficult,” Paredes said. “My teammates did everything they could, and in the end, I was able to win the mountain points. I am happy except that in the time trial I lost a lot of time losing the GC lead. I had problems with my bike, but we did what we could.”
Ryan Stites (Project Echelon) takes the overall win in the 2024 Tour of the Gila. Photo courtesy Tour of the Gila
Project Echelon’s Cade Bickmore secured the green points classification jersey for a second year running, while Jonas Walton of Team EcoFlo Chronos held on to win the Best Young Rider Classification finishing fourth on GC. Team Medellín earned the overall Team Classification, seeing five riders finish within the top ten: Walter Vargas, Wilmar Paredes, Brayan Sánchez, Óscar Sevilla, and Róbigzon Oyola in that order.
The Gila Monster Road Race wrapped another successful edition of Silver City’s Tour of the Gila, a race that attracts the top talent throughout the Americas and the world each season. In 2024, the race was able to boost fan engagement by providing live video coverage throughout the road race stages, showcasing a week of exciting and explosive racing in southwest New Mexico.
Pete Stetina is the winningest BWR Waffleur of all time with six victories. Here is his BWR UT recap.
By Pete Stetina — The Utah BWR has treated me well in the past, having won 2 of 3 appearances. However, in addition to the springtime calendar shift, we all see how competitive the pro gravel field has gotten. While a lot of my gravel career has been attributed to BWR successes, in 2023 I’d gotten completely shut out and it has been a while since I’d won a big time gravel race with a truly deep field. Chalk it up to bad luck, stiffer competition, starting a family, or maybe a combination of those, but the truth is I arrived in Utah hungry and if I’m honest, a bit desperate to make my mark again and set my 2024 campaign in the right direction.
I’ll gloss over the route changes and the cold weather, that’s been described at length. What I will say is that it required another level of tactical planning. The high elevation sun can feel warmer than it is but the sub-freezing start meant strategic layering would be key. Another factor was the wind, it would tend to play out like a road race and a non selective one at that for the first 90 minutes due to headwinds.
Pete Stetina on his way to winning BWR Utah. Photo courtesy BWR
As for the route’s tactics, everyone knew I would be the climber to watch, and everyone knew the technical sectors through the jeep trails and Three Peaks singletrack would be where the MTB specialists would try and gain an advantage.
The race was negative and slow as expected until we hit the jeep trail after Rollers for Rouleurs. Adam Roberge obviously had the same idea as I did to get ahead of the MTBers, and had jumped away before. I made a big effort to sprint into that sector second and began to break the field over the rougher terrain. A few other riders were keen to contribute but Alexis Cartier was moving to the front and blocking the narrow trail to slow us. It became clear what we are now calling the “Poutine Maffia” (aka Quebec compatriots) were working together. I had to shout at the other riders to realize what he was doing and we had to spend a lot of bullets fighting for position in that trail to make any headway…
Pete Stetina on his way to winning BWR Utah. Photo courtesy BWR
The Three Peaks trails (dries pieken) didn’t disappoint and were extremely selective. I surprised myself a bit and was able to keep a good pace. I’d been worried about having to chase all day after that sector. I’d spent some bullets, but with the race being shorter than previous years, I was confident in using more aggression.
Andrew L’Esperance put some impressive skills to the test, passed us all, and took a hefty lead exiting Three Peaks. He had 20 seconds but it quickly ballooned out as no one in the chase really wanted to collaborate. About 60% of the group was keen to roll but there were enough games going on from others that we couldn’t ever get any flow. His gap began to grow over one minute and while we slowly began our ascent up KOMbewaren it was more annoying than anything with riders skipping pulls. As the pitch steepened near the top I got a small gap and only a young Bjorn Larsen followed. “To hell with it” I murmured, knowing the guys behind would struggle to get any cohesion. We turned into the tailwind downhill and quickly bridged to Lespy.
Pete Stetina on his way to winning BWR Utah. Photo courtesy BWR
Now this was a group I was into! We were all committed; rolling smoothly and strongly. The tailwind would make it harder for the bigger group to chase even if they did regroup. We managed the gap and entered the ruthless Muur van Kannarraberg with about a minute and a half.
Here’s where the tactics disappear and it’s just about legs and suffering. I went all in on my preferred terrain and opened up a gap on my companions, additionally I went quicker than the chasers and had nearly 2 minutes by the top. This race was mine, or so I thought.
Due to the cold and the altitude I started to feel twinges of cramps that would only intensify. And I still had 20 miles of windy undulating terrain back to the finish!
There’s nothing romantic about those final 45 minutes: I died a thousand deaths, time-trialing in purgatory over the 4 chasers hunting me down. All the while damning the organizers for adding all the additional pavement and just praying the finish line would come soon. It was only when I turned into the tailwind for the final 2 miles I knew I had it. Sight of the finish arch melted the cramps as agony transformed to joy and overriding relief. I’d nabbed my 3rd BWR Utah and 6th BWR ever. It’s only getting harder again these young and hungry pros, so this was immensely gratifying.
Pete Stetina wins the 2024 BWR Utah. Photo courtesy BWR
While the win means a lot to me, what I’m most pleased about was my attention to detail throughout the day. stripping layers pre-determinedly, anticipating that race, and in general making sure I actually got to the Kannarraberg with the best chance of success. I can’t say I won by being the strongest, but rather by strategically dismantling the race and engineering the scenarios for myself. That’s what gives me pleasure.
I now lead the series with a slim margin over Torbjorn Roed, it all comes down to California in a few weeks!
Utah resident, Bjorn Larson, put some of Gravel’s stars on notice. Here’s his recap!
By Bjorn Larson — This was one of the coldest race starts I have ever done. Being a Midwesterner, I thought I was prepared for it, but I was mistaken. When the race started, it seemed like everyone’s legs were a bit cold. The group was slow moving through town and there wasn’t a huge fight for positioning. We hit the first gravel section, and the pace started to pick up. I knew a tunnel coming up in a few miles would be a pinch point, so I did my best to stay near the front to be one of the first through. Once we passed through there, it was game on. A few riders got on the front and tried to create some separation. Although, due to the wind and a lack of cohesion, the group swelled in size. For the next 20ish miles, we all rolled together as no one wanted to take up the front due to the headwind.
Fast forward to mile 35 and the race finally started to come alive. We turned off the main gravel road onto a small two-track path. The pace started to pick up and I found myself near the back of the group. I quickly realized this was where the first separation of the day would occur. I then put an effort in to get towards the front of the group. Once I got to the front, I saw Adam Roberge snuck off the front and had 30 seconds on the group. As soon as our group started to lull I launched an attack to bridge up to Adam. I made it within a few seconds of him before the pack turned on the gas and caught me. However, those efforts slimmed our group down immensely.
As we approached the mountain bike section, there were around 8 of us in the lead pack. I knew my bike handling skills were subpar compared to those around me, so I backed off and let them gap me. I was solo for about ⅔ of the sector before Joe Goettl and Lance Haidet caught me. After we exited those trails, we had our work cut out for us. The lead pack had over a minute on us and the headwind was growing stronger. The three of us turned ourselves inside out and finally caught onto the group. Fortunately, the lead pack’s pace slowed, allowing us to recover and catch our breath.
Patrick Sprints to Victory for Cynisca Cycling Tour of the Gila 2024
By Rebecca Reza — SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 27, 2024) — The U23 US National Crit Champion Chloe Patrick outsprinted the reduced peloton to win a third stage for Cynisca Cycling in Downtown Silver City. Marlies Mejias was second for Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24, followed by the overall GC leader and Patrick’s teammate, Lauren Stephens in third.
Patrick reveals what transpired as she came around the final turn into the sprint. “I was on Lauren’s wheel, she was just guiding me around the pack. She just has so many years of experience, I knew I could trust her. I just sat on the wheel, she took me where I needed to be, and then the last straight away I just opened it up and got her at the line.”
U23 National Champion Chloe Patrick (Cynisca Cycling). Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
The pro women raced for 25 laps around the 1.08-mile circuit, including three intermediate sprint points, along with bonus seconds for the top three who crossed the line. The race began under overcast skies and cooler temperatures, a change from the traditional heat in years past.
65 women took to the line as the whistle blew to start the stage. Several breakaway attempts tried their hands including a move by Boneshaker’s Lorena Villamizar. She would earn bonus seconds that would move her up to fifth on GC ahead of Marcela Prieto. Ahead of the next intermediate sprint, Shayna Powless attacked with Jennifer Valente for Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24. They would be absorbed a few laps later.
At one to go, teams battled for control of the front, to organize in preparation of the sprint. Rounding the final corner it was the stars and stripes who would post for victory.
Patrick was able to maintain her team’s significant lead in the GC classification going into tomorrow. “It’s incredible,” Chloe said proudly. “The team’s been doing so well, all week, and I’m excited I got my day today.” Chloe had only this to say about tomorrow’s plan for the team on Stage 5: “I mean, we’re gonna go 4 for 4, I hope.”
U23 National Champion Chloe Patrick (Cynisca Cycling) takes the Stage 4 sprint. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
Marlies Mejias was able to make a statement briefly before the podium ceremony commenced. “There was very little separation with one lap to go. I believe we’re still looking for a result, though in the end I’m happy with this result. It compliments our effort as a team.”
Mejias currently sits only one point behind the current sprint leader, a gap that could easily be bridged on Sunday’s finale, enabling her to solidify the sprint leader’s jersey this year.
DNA Pro Cycling’s Nadia Gontova, this year’s Redlands GC Champion, was able to give some insights about how she’s feeling heading into the final day of racing. Known primarily for its brutal Category 2-3 ascent, this course offers unique advantages for Gontova, who is recognized for her ability as a climber.
“Definitely not my favorite stage, but I tried to stay safe and finish in the group, following a lot of my teammate’s wheels. I finished in the group, so I’m happy to make it through today, and I’m looking forward to getting back to some more climbing tomorrow.”
Cynisca Cycling’s Lauren Stephens faces the final stage with a gap of 2:12 ahead of Gontova on GC and close to five minutes ahead of her teammate, Ashley Frye. The pro women will start after the men take to the course, at 10:05 MDT before crowning the 2024 Tour of the Gila Champion.
Bickmore Notches Project Echelon’s Third Victory of Tour of the Gila 2024
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 271, 2024) — Cade Bickmore celebrated his team’s third stage victory in as many days at the Downtown Criterium presented by the Town of Silver City Saturday. Project Echelon continued the winning momentum the team displayed a couple weeks ago in California. At stage 3 of the Tour of the Gila 2024, Luca Haines was second for Team California, with Brody McDonald in third for Aevolo Cycling.
Cade Bickmore took 2023’s green jersey on this same stage, and he addressed how pleased he was to have earned both for a second time on Saturday. “Yeah, it was great,” said Bickmore. “I think it’s sometimes harder to win a race the second time because everybody’s expecting it. But the team was great today, and the legs were good, so it was great to be able to repeat here.”
Project Echelon on the front. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila3
Following a full morning of amateur and kids races, the pro women took to the stage, followed by the pro men, who were the final stage of the day. The men raced for 40 laps on a 1.08-mile, four-corner course. The backside had an 80-foot climb before riders descended, rounding the third corner down Broadway, increasing their speed into the final corner onto Bullard St, down the straightaway to the finish.
A breakaway of six riders escaped shortly after the first intermediate sprint. The group consisted of Kaler Marshall (Expeditors), Allan Schroeder (CS Velo), Conn McDunphy (Team Skyline), Patrick Fletcher (Above & Beyond Cancer), Cormac McGeough (Canel’s-Java), and Gabriel Shipley (Aevolo Cycling). The group worked together, gaining up to a 35-second gap.
With five laps to go, the gap began to decrease. Conn McDunphy took over the work at the front of the group, lifting the pace that continued to split the group in two. Marshall, McDunphy, and Patrick each took pulls, rotating the work to hold the gap with three laps to go. Tyler Stites made his way to the front, sliding in behind his teammates that had been working to control the front of the field.
Project Echelon on the front. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
In the final two laps, the gap decreased to 11-seconds. Kellen Caldwell jumped in to help Project Echelon reduce the gap for Team California. The field caught them on the final lap as they made the turn on Broadway, fighting for position before making the sweeping turn onto Bullard and the final sprint to victory.
Several bonus seconds were available on each of the three intermediate sprints, with finish line bonus seconds available to the top three across the line. There was no change in the gap separating the overall GC leader, Tyler Stites, who currently holds a 30-second advantage ahead of second place Walter Vargas (Team Medellín).
Cade and team are up against what promises to be a tight finish tomorrow. “It’s gonna be really difficult. Walter’s right there at 30 seconds, and then I think four other of his teammates are at around 3 and a half minutes, which sounds like a lot; but on tomorrow’s stage, anything can happen. And that’s a lot of dangerous riders that we have to consider. So, it’s gonna be a tough one.”
The current King of the Mountain classification leader, Wilmar Paredes, said Team Medellín hopes to confront the Queen Stage on Sunday with a lot of force to make the race hard. “The idea is to attack, hoping to win the stage with one of my teammates.”
Team Medellín won the stage last season with Óscar Sevilla and in 2019 with Cristhian Montoya before the race was canceled during the pandemic. Canel’s-Java was the victor in 2022 with Eduardo Corte, the team now hoping to fight for the win with Heiner Parra, who finished second that year. Parra is in the running to win the King of the Mountain classification for the third year in a row, looking for four points to steal the classification from his compatriot, Paredes.
The Gila Monster will be an epic battle in many ways, but with the main showdown between Medellín and Project Echelon. Time will tell if Stites is able to hold his own and finish the job going up against the escarabajos of Colombia. The confidence the team has built these last few weeks of success will certainly help.
Bickmore was able to briefly discuss how he and the team felt going into the end of the race. “It’s incredible,” Cade said. “It’s a lot of momentum to have all those wins behind us, so tomorrow we just have to finish the job.” This year, the Tour of the Gila is especially important for the team. “It’s huge,” Bickmore said. “It’s the only UCI race left in the US for this year, unfortunately. But, that just makes it a bigger target for us. We really want to win at home. We haven’t ever won an overall at a UCI race, so bringing that home would be fantastic.”
Stephens Increases Overall Tour of the Gila Lead, Winning Tyrone Time Trial
By Rebecca Reza — SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 26, 2024) — Cynisca Cycling’s Lauren Stephens raced to victory in Tyrone for Stage 3 of the Tour of the Gila 2024. Having won on the same course in 2015, she improved her previous best time by 23 seconds. Her victory at the Tyrone Individual Time Trial also increased her lead on the General Classification by 2:01, ahead of Nadia Gontova on GC. The DNA Pro Cycling rider was fourth on the stage. Alia Shafi finished 51 seconds behind Stephens, clocking a time of 39:03; 23 seconds ahead of Cécile Lejeune, racing for the Steve Tilford Foundation, finishing with 33:26 in third.
Lauren Stephens (Cynisca Cycling) during the Stage 3 Time Trial. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
“It was quite windy out there,” Stephens said after the finish. “It was a great ride; I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Emily Ehrlich had been the heavy favorite coming into the time trial, after winning the TT at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and two gold medals at the Pan American Track Championships. Speaking ahead of her start, Ehrlich said, “I honestly feel it’s the best TT we have in the country. I’ve only done it once, obviously, but it’s my favorite. I really love it!”
Ehrlich started her TT strong, with her head down in the tight position she is accustomed to. Unfortunately, the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 rider crashed coming down the descent of the Little Burro on the way out. She was then forced to abandon the race due to injury. The team later confirmed Ehrlich suffered a broken collarbone and possibly other fractures and is “absolutely covered in road rash.” Ehrlich had been expected to win the stage; with Stephens admitting that once she had seen that Ehrlich had crashed, she had backed off her speed.
“I hope Emily is okay,” Stephens added. “I saw her when I came over the top of the climb, which reminded me to focus on safety first.”
Ehrlich was also expected to be a top contender at the Olympic trials in two weeks’ time. She has managed to send a message to the race organization, stating she is in good spirits, and doesn’t want people to worry about her. “She will be okay,” her team reassured.
At the end of the day, the GC saw a shake-up in the standings under Stephens and Nadia Gontova, who continue to sit in the top two spots. Alia Shafi moved into the top ten on GC, following her second-place finish for Fount Cycling Guild. Her teammate, Eleanor Wiseman, also moved up to fourth from tenth place as she heads into Saturday’s crit. PAS/Steve Tilford Foundation Racing’s Marcela Prieto slid down to fifth after finishing nineteenth on the stage. Cynisca Cycling’s Ashley Frye finished fourth, moving her into a podium position in third ahead of Saturday.
The UCI women race 27 laps at the Downtown Criterium presented by the Town of Silver City on Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m.
Stites Blasts Into Victory, Taking the Overall Lead at Tour of the Gila
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 26, 2024) — At Tour of the Gila on Friday, Project Echelon’s Tyler Stites blasted through the finish, seizing the win with a time of 33:07 at the Tyrone Individual Time Trial presented by Freeport McMoran. He came close to the course record of 32:59 that was set by Levi Leipheimer in 2009. The current Pan Am Time Trial Champion, Walter Vargas, was second for Team Medellín, clocking a time of 33:18. Jonas Walton rounded the podium in third, finishing in 33:45 and moving into the lead of the Best Young Rider Classification.
Stites’s win marks the second stage win for the team at Tour of the Gila 2024, after winning four out of five stages at Redlands earlier this month. Stites takes over the GC with his victory with two stages remaining. Team Medellín’s Wilmar Paredes had a tough day, finishing in 36:33 and sliding down to fourth on GC.
“It’s a tough course, the main goal was to win the stage and take the red which I accomplished,” Stites said. “I’m really happy about that. I definitely had my eye on the course record but came up short; it was a tough day out there. I was chasing Walter, which was my minute-man, so that was a good carrot to be chasing. I had him in sight so I had a good day.”
The 16.15-mile Individual Time Trial out-and-back course in Tyrone featured 1,188 feet (362 meters) of climbing. Straight out of the start house, the road pitches up for a Category 4 Little Burro climb, rapidly shifts into a fast descent passing the Freeport-McMoran Tyrone mine, the end of which signals the turn around to head back to the finish. Five miles before the finish, the Little Burro greets the riders again, this time descending at a gradient of 6-7% before streaming down into the finishing shoot.
Owen Wright of CS Velo Racing sat in the hot seat for most of the day, starting within the first 20 riders out of the start house. Wright clocked in at 34:02, enough to finish fifth. His teammate, Joshua Lebo, crossed the finish with his CS Velo team cheering him on, becoming the first rider to clock in under 34 minutes with 33:59 and ending up fourth on the stage.
The hot seat began to change rapidly once the final ten riders were coming in to the finish. Disappointment showed through the smile Vargas displayed as he talked about his performance. He had won the stage last year, and was hoping to defend his win, but still gave respect to Stites as he outshone him in Tyrone.
“This was a pretty demanding time trial, and the wind here is strong,” Vargas said. “I felt good and had good legs but Tyler [Stites] is also in very good form. I knew that he had won another race before Gila here in the United States, so he’s going very strong.”
Despite his loss on Friday, Vargas and Team Medellín look ahead to the final two stages, ready to battle for the GC.
“I’m sitting second on GC with two demanding stages to go, including the final that is a very, very hard stage,” Vargas said. “We hope to give everything and make it a good race on Sunday. Tomorrow, we have the crit, which is a fast and explosive one, so we will give it our all in these last two days.”
Stites won the Downtown Silver City Criterium in 2022, and expects the team to contest the sprint on Saturday before the final showdown Sunday. Important time bonuses will be available at the finish Saturday for the top three finishers, earning ten, six and four seconds respectively.
The pro men take the stage at 3:10 p.m. after a full day of amateur racing and following the pro women.
The latest version has been optimised for performance-demanding riders taking on prolonged efforts in the mountains
NEVERS, France (April 23, 2024) — LOOK Cycle has announced the latest iteration of its popular 785 Huez road bike, designed for long rides in the mountains. Drawing on LOOK’s extensive carbon fiber expertise, the updated 785 Huez is meticulously crafted to meet the exacting standards of the most discerning climbers. It combines lightness, responsiveness and comfort seamlessly.
The 785 Huez incorporates Nano tubes in its latest carbon lay-up, a specific design reducing the tube’s inner thickness to save weight while preserving frame performance and solidity in key areas such as chainstays, headtube, and bottom bracket. Working in conjunction with the performance-focused frame geometry it provides riders with maximum power transfer when climbing out of the saddle, alongside an optimised position for comfort when seated.
Photo courtesy LOOK Cycle
The 785 Huez is a highly adaptable bike designed for long days in the saddle exploring iconic climbs. LOOK’s engineers chose high-modulus carbon fibres and thin rounded tubes constructed specifically for each frame size to offer an unbeatable stiffness-to-weight ratio and maximum power transfer while providing the right amount of comfort for longer rides. The integrated cockpit is ergonomically designed, while the frame allows for the increasingly popular 32mm tire clearance, offering riders versatility on rough roads and in mountainous weather conditions.
785 Huez Pro Team Black. Photo courtesy LOOK Cycle
Adaptable, user-centric design
The 785 Huez is a bike that perfectly blends technological advancements with user convenience. The timeless and stylish design looks sleek and delivers exceptional performance on various terrains, enhancing the bike’s overall adaptability. Benefiting from a T47 bottom bracket, 27.2mm seat post, and through-axle wheels, the 785 Huez offers performance without overwhelming the user with unnecessary complexity. The integrated design not only simplifies the assembly and maintenance processes of the bike but also makes the switch-out of parts a hassle-free experience.
Romain Simon, Bike Products Manager at LOOK Cycle, says: “The latest version of the 785 Huez offers riders the best holistic performance for long days in the mountains and has been designed for explosive accelerations on any gradient, whilst offering cyclists an unparalleled riding experience for long days in the saddle. With its lightweight construction and cutting-edge carbon technology, we believe that the 785 Huez will enable passionate riders to reach personal goals when measuring themselves against the greatest ascents of the cycling world.”
Twenty24 Fights the Wind, Ushering Mejias to Victory at Fort Bayard
By Rebecca Reza — SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 25, 2024) — Marlies Mejias of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 outsprinted her rivals to score the first major victory of the 2024 season on stage 2 at the Tour of the Gila. Mejias had won the sprint classification a little over a week ago at Redlands Bicycle Classic but was not able to take a stage victory despite her best efforts. She crossed the finish, emotional and celebrating with her team shortly after.
“It’s not my victory but the entire team, and the hard work that they did that afforded me this win,” Mejias said.
Marlies Mejias (Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24) during Stage 2. Photo by Brian Hodes/Veloimages, courtesy Tour of the Gila
The day had begun with the first of two intermediate sprints a little over five miles into the race. Margarita Misyurina was leading the classification at the start of the day, winning the first intermediate sprint and securing the green jersey for another day.
The first of three Queen of the Mountain sprint lines were up next. Anet Barrera took the top points crossing the sprint line first for DNA Pro Cycling. She managed to escape the field descending down the Sapillo, taking the second QOM points of the day. The points earned would move her up to third place in the classification, after the General Classification leader Lauren Stephens and her teammate Nadia Gontova.
Unfortunately, there were several crashes during the descent down the mountain. Cynisca Cycling’s Mara Roldan crashed when her wheel slipped out from under her as she was taking a turn. Roldan ultimately did make the decision to abandon the race; mostly out of precaution for a possible concussion, her team said later. Sara Poidevin also crashed but was able to get back on the bike and catch up to the main field soon after. Barrera was absorbed shortly after making the turn into the valley.
Elizabeth Dixon was next to try her hand at a solo move. She attacked after winning the second intermediate sprint and was able to maintain a gap of 1:15 for the entirety of the second Queen of the Mountain, even against the strong headwinds present, getting caught with only 3km to the finish.
“It was worth a shot. I think we feel a lot better,” Dixon said. “We’re a team that likes to animate the race, throwing attacks. We’re happy about our performance today and ready for the rest of the week.”
The winds, already high during the Category 3 Queen of the Mountain climb, began to kick up as what was left of the peloton began making their way up to the Freeport-MacMoran’s Chino Mine on New Mexico Highway 152. The winds were averaging 20 m.p.h., swiftly pushing back against any move that tried to escape.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 began organizing at the front, taking turns fighting the wind to position Marlies Mejias for the final sprint. Emily Ehrlich, Melisa Rollins, Sofia Arreola, and Emma Langley alternated as lead rider, fighting the wind to keep the pace high.
Marlies Mejias (Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24) outsprints a reduced field to take Stage 2. Photo by Brian Hodes/Veloimages, courtesy Tour of the Gila
As the front group made the right turn heading back into Fort Bayard, Mejias bolted to the finish, outsprinting Yanina Kuskova (Tashkent Cycling) in second and the red leader’s jersey, Lauren Stephens (Cynisca Cycling). Stephens still holds on to her overall lead, extending it to 46 seconds ahead of Nadia Gontova (DNA Pro Cycling).
Lauren Stephens holds on to the leader’s red jersey. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
“It was quite windy coming into the finish,” Stephens said. “We stayed safe all day for the most part. Unfortunately, we had Mara [Roldan] crash on the descent, which was tough on the team to lose her. Luckily, she’s okay, so she’ll be back soon.”
Stage 3 is set for the Tyrone Time Trial, one that Stephens has won before.
“I’m really looking forward to the time trial,” Stephens said. “It was nine years ago that I won the time trial, which shows you how long I’ve been doing this. I really hope to earn another stage win.”
Kristen Taylor will be the first rider for the pro women to roll out of the start house at 10:30 for Milton Women’s U23 Project.
Project Echelon Continues Winning Season, Scoring Victory on Stage 2
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 25, 2024) — Scott McGill bolted to the line to win Stage 2 at the 2024 Tour of the Gila at Fort Bayard. The winds were battling the riders as the reduced bunch made the final turn into the finishing straight. McGill outsprinted the General Classification leader Wilmar Paredes (Team Medellín) in second and his teammate, Tyler Stites in third.
Scott McGill (Project Echelon) wins Stage 2. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
“We had to put a few guys on the front in there to bring back the breakaway, and then it was a little chaotic when we caught him,” McGill said. “It was super windy, everyone was getting blown across the road. There was a large crash that we avoided which was good. In the end, there were attacks, there were some gaps, and then I ended up off the front. The peloton caught us in the sprint, but I was able to get back in the slipstream and be able to sprint for the win.”
The pro men raced 76.2 miles, starting before the pro women Thursday morning at Fort Bayard. On the menu were the same intermediate sprint lines the women faced, along with three Category 2 King of the Mountain points available. The winds were forecasted to increase exponentially by the afternoon, with average speeds expected at 23 mph.
Stephen Schaeffer (Trek/Landis) launches the first break of the day. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
The first intermediate sprint was only 5.7 miles into the stage, but teams wasted no time attacking to get into position for the points. Stephen Schaeffer was first to launch an attack off the front of the field, which several riders countered–Ulises Castillo (Above & Beyond Cancer) was first to close the gap, soon followed by Team Medellín’s Fabio Duarte and others.
Schaeffer scored the top points at the line and took the opportunity to increase his gap on the field. He then went on to gain as much as a 1:45 minute gap as he descended the Sapillo solo, picking up KOM points along the way. The Landis/Trek rider managed to maintain his gap for close to 100km of the stage.
Team Medellin leads the chase. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
Back in the field, Team Medellín were controlling the peloton, taking care of red jersey leader Paredes. Robigzon Oyola and Fabio Duarte handled the majority of the pace work for the team, keeping Paredes safe at the front of the field and fresh for the days to come.
“The team worked really well taking care of Wilmar,” Oscar Sevilla said. “It was a hard day for the team but one that we are happy to have gotten through. I don’t want to say that we will win, but the way we work we can earn it with the strong riders that we have like Walter Vargas and Paredes who is leading. Stites is close, but we know how to lead and we are a winning team so we will fight to win.”
Paredes leads the GC by a mere six seconds ahead of the time trial on Friday. Tyler Stites is a TT specialist and currently in second on GC for Project Echelon. He has won Friday’s stage in the past and is also in top form after winning the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
“Today went well, we will see if we held on to the lead,” Paredes said after finishing. “Walter [Vargas] should have a good time trial, he’s the Pan American Time Trial Champion. We hope he does well and that we’re able to keep the leader’s jersey within the team.”
The pro men will start the Stage 3 Tyrone Individual Time Trial with the first rider rolling out on course at 9:15 a.m. MDT.
Stephens Soars to Victory Atop Mogollon for Cynisca
By Rebecca Reza — SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 24, 2024) — Lauren Stephens crested the climb atop Mogollon to celebrate the first stage victory for Cynisca Cycling at the 2024 Tour of the Gila. Nadia Gontova finished just behind in second for DNA Pro Cycling, with last year’s stage winner, Marcela Prieto (Steve Tilford Foundation) in third. The victory marks Stephen’s second on the road this season since winning the Clasica de Almeria in Spain a month ago.
Stephens swapped roles coming into Gila this week after directing ROXO Racing team last year in Silver City, notably when Gontova was racing for the team.
“It was really exciting because I have done some training with her over the past year so I’d say we’re pretty good friends,” Stephens said. “I knew today that I didn’t want to lose time. My first goal was to stay with Nadia. I had seen how well she had done a couple weeks ago at Redlands.”
Gontova arrived in Silver City after earning the biggest palmare in her career thus far, winning the overall title at the Redlands Bicycle Classic earlier this month. The Canadian burst on to the pro scene after winning Oak Glen last season at Redlands. ROXO signed her shortly after, taking her to the Vuelta Colombia Femenina where she celebrated her first UCI stage victory.
“I’ve trained with her some and know how strong she is,” Stephens said. “I told myself that if I was feeling good I would attack in the last couple kilometers.”
Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
Seventy-one riders took to the start today in Silver City as the pro women rolled out for the 71.2 mile trek ahead for the opening stage Wednesday. The field had stuck together until the first intermediate sprint, which was won by Tashkent Women’s Pro Cycling Team Margarita Misyurina. The team from Uzbekistan is racing their second year at Gila after their debut in 2023.
Competitive Edge Racing’s Galen Bolard took a solo flyer soon after, escaping the field to gained up to a four-minute gap before DNA Pro Cycling picked up the chase soon after the second and final intermediate sprint of the day. The wind was starting to pick up just slightly, as teams began to organize approaching the right turn onto NM highway 159, beginning the final climb to the finish.
An unfortunate cross of the wheels caused a good portion of the field to crash, with the top contenders and teams escaping most of the carnage staying close to the front. DNA continued to drive the pace before Cynisca Cycling took over, lead by 2X Redlands stage winner, Mara Roldan. The pace had obliterating what was left of the field, leaving less than 10 riders to fight for the win.
2023 Mogollon Stage Winner, Marcela Prieto, had made the split, along with Gontova who was sitting on Stephen’s wheel. As the group was approaching the final climb, Gontova launched a fierce attack. Stephens was quick to respond, jumping on her wheel, followed by Prieto. The tempo turned out to be too much for the Mexican climber, as she watched the duo slip away from her grasp.
“It was a hard day on the climb, after a short while I wasn’t able to keep that pace to the finish,” Prieto said. “I am happy with the result. Third place is not bad, I’m happy to give another try tomorrow. Hopefully I will improve a little but of course I will try until the final day.”
Further up the road, Stephens was happy to sit on Gontova’s wheel allowing her to do all the work in the final few kilometers. Despite her best efforts, Gontova was not able to shake Stephens off her wheel.
“I knew my best chance on this climb was to go pretty early. I know Lauren has a good kick,” Gontova said at the finish. “Maybe I was a little impatient but at that point, I knew my only hope was to keep the pace high and hope that I could crack her. She was really strong on the day and ended up having a really strong attack at the end. I just couldn’t follow and she rode away. “
As the two were nearing the one-kilometer to go mark, Stephens launched her final attack riding away from Gontova to celebrate her victory.
Lauren Stephens (Cynisca Cycling) conquers the Mogollon. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
“Nadia attacked as soon as we started the last bit of the climb,” Stephens said. “I was able to stay with her. I knew I was accomplishing my first goal and it was just icing on the cake to be able to put a little bit of time into Nadia today.”
Stephens earned two jerseys for her victory today, the first red leader’s jersey and the first Queen of the Mountain jerseys for earning top points on the finish line. Nadia Gontova leads the Best Young Rider classification heading into stage 2.
Racing resumes on Thursday for the women, starting at 10:20 MDT after the men at Fort Bayard.
Paredes of Team Medellín Takes Stage 1 Win Ahead of Stites
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 24, 2024) — Wilmar Paredes inched out Tyler Stites, crossing the finish at Mogollon to take victory in the Tour of the Gila opener. Paredes teammate, Walter Vargas, came in third to round the podium. The first stage took the pro men 92-miles from the heart of Silver City out to the ghost town of Mogollon. Team Medellín were first to launch the attacks in the final kilometers that would earn them the victory.
“This is my first time racing Gila, I’m very happy and thankful for my team,” Paredes said. “I’m happy to have garnered this victory for them.”
A four-rider break managed to escape not long after the first intermediate sprint of the day, won by Nacho Prado of Canel’s-Java. The group consisted of David Gaona (Team Skyline), Alex Marr (Rio Grande), Nacho Prado (Canel’s) and Alexis Bouchard (EcoFlo). Marr would soon return to the field but his remaining breakaway companions would eventually gain up to a 13-minute gap.
The early breakaway. Photo by Mitch Clinton, courtesy Tour of the Gila
“I was surprised that we gained so much time, but the teams in the field had different interests and so we took advantage of the opportunity,” Prado said. “We tried to gain a little more but it didn’t turn out.”
Prado would earn the top points in both intermediate sprints, garnering the first green points jersey. The former Mexican National Time Trial Champion held the jersey last year in the opening stages.
Back in the field, teams were getting anxious as the kilometers began to shrink before the finish. Several teams worked together to close the gap, including Team Echelon, CS Velo, and Team Medellín. As the main field made the right turn to face the climb ahead, the break began to shatter.
Following the plateau, the gap was down to two minutes with 6km to go. Alexis Bouchard (EcoFlo) was the lone leader desperately trying to hold on to his advantage. Prado had returned to the field, a job done earning points for the day, while David Gaona struggled to keep Bouchard’s tempo.
The EcoFlo rider was caught within four kilometers to go as the bright colors of Team Medellín were on the move. Heiner Parra (Canel’s-Java) and Tyler Stites (Project Echelon) were also in the mix, when Óscar Sevilla decided it was time.
Sevilla attacked gaining a slight advantage, when his teammate Walter Vargas countered. Riding to tempo, Paredes made his way up to Vargas position with Stites in tow. Stites had arrived in Silver City having won the overall classification at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
Vargas would lose contact as Stites and Paredes went to battle nearly ending in a photo finish.
Wilmar Paredes (Team Medellin) outsprints Tyler Stites to take the Stage 1 victory. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
“On the climb there were quite a few Medellin guys with me which made it tough trying to mark all of them,” Stites said between breaths at the finish. “Ended up setting my own pace. He got me there in the end, but I didn’t lose any time to him so overall a pretty good day.”
Paredes leads both the overall and KOM classifications going into day 2. Kieran Haug finished inside the top ten on the stage to wear the Best Young Riders jersey for CS Velo.
The men take to the start at Fort Bayard at 9 AM MDT.
By Charles Pekow — Proposed regulations for the Phil’s World Recreation Management Zone in Colorado would permit mountain biking but prohibit camping due to issues with human waste and litter, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Photo courtesy Visit Durango
The area, renowned for its mountain biking trails, faces challenges maintaining its natural integrity amidst increasing visitor numbers.
BLM emphasizes that the trail system, located near Cortez and catering to mountain bikers of all skill levels, is best suited for day use. Developed or semi-developed camping facilities would disrupt the area’s natural ambiance.
“Developed or semi-developed camping sites within this unit would be out of character for this setting,” BLM explains.
However, nearby options are available for bikepackers seeking overnight stays.
Similarly, in the Durango Special Recreation Management Area, biking during the day would be allowed, but nighttime access and campfires would be restricted in the Animas City Mountain, Skyline, and Grandview RMZs.
“The proximity of these RMZs to the city of Durango, as well as an increase in transient, unhoused people in the region, has resulted in non-recreation-related dispersed camping impacts to this landscape,” BLM explains.
By Lou Melini — The Caribou Loop Trail is a 200-mile collection of gravel roads, both US Forest Service and county, along the Idaho and Wyoming borders. To the north is Alpine, Wyoming and near the southern end is Afton, Wyoming. The route is primarily an ATV loop, though I was told that about 20% of the users are bicycles. Julie and I saw no other bikes. The trail is named the Caribou Loop Trail as there is a Caribou Trail in Idaho.
With the combination of Forest Service and county roads, the scenery is a varied as one can imagine here in the West. Forested roads, wide rivers adjacent to the roads plus many not-so-wide rivers, fenced ranch land, active mining activity, wide scenic valley, and in one brief section, an LDS ward house with scattered nearby homes. At night, the stars shone bright.
I was told about the route from a friend that did the Idaho section of the trail. If you have never heard of the Caribou Loop trail, I am not surprised. When Julie and I were asked what we were doing from local people we met, we said we were riding the Caribou Loop Trail. After a blank stare, we learned to name the roads which were known, just not the loop name. I assume that someone cobbled together the route with the intention of creating tourism among the ATV crowd but needs to get the word out.
The Caribou Loop trail is fairly well marked, though not as well as touted. The website (cariboulooptrail.com) has a map that you can download. Julie and I could not download the map even with the help of one of our sons. Neither could my friend even after speaking with a person responsible for the website. I ended up using the Wyoming and Idaho Road and Recreation Atlas from Benchmark maps. The route was clearly shown in the atlas, just not called the Caribou Loop trail.
[Editor’s Note: you can download GPX and KMZ files and a useless pdf]
A view from McCoy Creek Forest Service Road on the Caribou Loop Trail. Photo by Julie Melini
Leaving Alpine
I arranged with the city of Alpine to leave our car at the Don Wood Civic Center. We left town on a Friday at 3:15 with the goal to ride 2 hours. From Alpine we traveled south on highway 89 about 3 miles to McCoy Creek FS Road. We rode north then west for another 16 miles before stopping to camp. We topped off our water supply at McCoy Creek FS campground in case we were not able to access McCoy creek when we camped. The gravel road was in good shape, some potholes, some up and down with only one hill that put us in our lower gears. There were few vehicles. There were plenty of camping options, though many were taken. It was a nice scenic ride through the forest.
Riding South
The morning of Day 2 was chilly and damp, the only morning that required my knee warmers and a couple of layers on top. The day soon became hot. We eventually camped after 48 miles of riding on relatively flat Grays Lake, Tincup, Lanes Creek, and Diamond Creek Roads. These are county gravel roads that are in great condition. Large cattle ranches bordered most of our ride. We found a bit of shaded open space to camp next to a creek that did not appear to traverse a cattle ranch.
Camp, day 2 on the Caribou Loop Trail. Photo by Julie Melini
We woke on day three, prepared ride only to find Julie’s rear tire was at zero pressure. She lost sealant on day two from both tires but both sealed and held air for the rest of the day. (see product review of tires)
The first 5 miles of the day’s ride was great. Once past the Forest Service guard station the road started to go upward, enough that we walked our bikes for the final quarter of a mile to the top. Our legs were a bit fatigued from the past 2 days, our age was a factor and the need for lower gears on our bikes was apparent. There was a second hill that became more of the same, though perhaps a bit more walking.
After 16 miles we came to Wells Canyon Road, notorious for being a rough road. It was 4 miles of misery. The road should be renamed Hells Canyon Road. Julie walked the first 100 yards or so, a steep rutted downhill full of golf ball sized rocks. For the first mile we had frequent piles of small rock and ruts that had me hopping back and forth on the road to find hardpack. The road smoothed out a bit as we approached the Simplot mine until we hit more rocks and needed to walk up a short section of a hill then carefully and slowly weave our way downhill through more small rocks on the road. We were happy to leave that section of the Caribou trail. It took us 3 hours to travel the first 20 miles of day 3. When we turned onto Crow Creek Road, we were a bit beat up, hot, and hungry so we stopped at a bridge, filtered water, and had lunch. Crow Creek Road was, despite being gravel, a smooth fast ride into Riverview where we hit actual pavement. We tried “Campgrounds near me” but ended up at a mobile home park in Afton. Being a Sunday most of Afton is shut down, so when we spotted the Marriott two blocks away, so we took it.
Decisions/Indecisions
The Marriott stay was well needed. We arrived hot and tired. We rode 42 miles in 5 hours. Bike travel rules suggest food and fluids before discussions and making decisions when one is tired and grumpy, so we showered and went out to eat.
Scenery on Grays River Road on the Caribou Loop Trail. Photo by Julie Melini
We wanted to complete the Caribou trail, but the narrative for the next day would have put us climbing the 9300-foot Commissary Ridge, a landmark that I could not find on the map on Smith’s Fork Road. I did not know if the ridge existed, but I also did not want to ignore the Caribou website narrative. We envisioned pushing our bikes more than we wanted to do. We decided to alter our ride by riding Highway 89 back to Alpine. After a night of rest, we would ride up Grays River Road. The first 35 miles of this road is reportedly the most scenic section of the entire Caribou loop.
On my return home I researched Smith’s Fork Road more. My concerns of steep elevation gain were unfounded. The Smith Fork trailhead is 14 miles south of Afton (7.5 miles south of Smoot). The Smith’s Fork Road is about 42 miles and has 2821 feet of elevation gain. Perhaps for the next trip.
Alpine and Grays River Road
Upon arrival in Alpine, we picked up our car and went a quarter mile to Grays River Cove RV Park, a campground I have stayed at on 4 previous bike trips going back to 2005. The fee is $20/person. Since 2005 the facilities have been upgraded with 5-star restrooms and showers. The owner is a couple of years older than I, comparably grumpy, but overall nice and accommodating. We planned on camping for the night (Monday), leaving our car the next day (Tuesday) so that we could ride up Grays River Road for about 36 miles to a Forest Service campground. We would return on Wednesday to buy showers and then head home.
Bikepacking Grays River Road out of Alpine on the Caribou Loop Trail. Photo by Julie Melini
We asked the owner about the condition of Grays River Road for bike travel. He suggested we talk to a local that was very knowledgeable about the road. It was 2 PM and we realized the local road expert, after one sentence, had a few too many whiskey and water drinks. However, there was one coherent moment when he mentioned road construction about 16 miles up Grays River Road.
Julie heading south on the Grays River Road. Photo by Lou Melini
Our legs were rested, and we were excited to ride. Grays River Road was as spectacular as advertised. A wide river flowing through a wide valley of forest and meadows. Unfortunately, the road construction we heard about was a resurfacing of the gravel road. We endured a large number of gravel trucks hauling their load up and down the road, along with tourist traffic. Dust and noise from the gravel trucks and other vehicles diminished our day. The speed limit of 35 mph was more of a suggestion. On one curve in the road a cowboy on his horse, with his dog, was moving 4 stray cattle while an ATV was passing him. They were met by a gravel truck coming down the road. Julie and I were surprised all went well.
In addition, we had to deal with large sections of the road that had loose sand and marble sized rocks, tire deep in some places. I put 45 mm Pirelli tires on Julie’s bike to improve her stability on such a surface. She did well. (see product reviews) After 20 miles we passed the construction area and had the road to ourselves for the remaining 16 miles to the campground. My Senior Pass for National Parks and Federal lands allowed me to acquire a campsite for $5. It was nice to have a picnic table and vault toilets for the night.
As planned, we returned to our car at the campground, had lunch, showers, and then drove home. On our tour we rode about 170 miles on gravel roads and another 50 on pavement for this trip. We learned much about what we like and don’t like in off-pavement travel. Other than Wells Canyon Road, the degree of difficulty of this loop trail that we rode was good for us. We would like to ride Grays River Road again sometime in the future when the road construction is completed, and the surface rock is mostly gone. We shall see. Overall, the Caribou Loop Trail is a worthwhile trip for others that would be interested in this bike packing route as well as on the many other gravel roads in that area.
And now for something completely different
The Ace hardware stores in Alpine and Afton have camping supplies. I know because for the first time after well over 2 years of cumulative backpacking and bike travel going back to 1975, I had 2 cold dinners due to a lack of fuel. In the process of transferring gear from one set of panniers to another before leaving for the trip, I didn’t transfer the fuel for my stove. Soaking our dinners for 20 minutes made the meals eatable, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I drew the line at cold morning coffee. Ace is the place for canister fuel for your stove.
Nuts and Bolts
At 200 miles, the Caribou Loop Trail can be completed in 4-6 days by most bikepackers. In the northern Idaho and Wyoming section of the loop the roads are relatively flat. Smith’s Fork and the southern section of Diamond Creek Road (county road 102) have elevation gain that will challenge the average person. This route could be ridden from the time snow melts in the spring until snow falls in the fall.
Given that there is a mine, a church and some homes on the Idaho section, there may be opportunity to ride (day rides) year-round though cold weather will probably be prohibitive. I assume snowmobiles use the roads in winter so fat tire bikes may also be a winter option for day rides.
Julie and I obtained water from streams and forest service campgrounds limiting what we needed to carry. We tried to obtain water at a faucet from an LDS ward house on Grays Lake Road, but the water seemed foul. Perhaps we needed to let the water run for more time.
Food stores are available in the towns of Alpine and Afton.
There is a lot of private land and ranches but camping along the road or in Forest Service campgrounds were easy options.
Cycling West and Cycling Utah Magazine’s Spring 2024 Issue is now available as a free download (9 MB download). Pick up a copy at your favorite Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern California bike shop or other location.
By Dave Campbell — In professional cycling, May typically brings to mind the Giro d’Italia. However, there is another significant stage race held during this time: May’s Tour de Romandie. This challenging race takes place in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and serves as a crucial preparation event for both the Giro and the Tour de France. Since its inception in 1947 to celebrate Swiss cycling’s 50th anniversary, the Tour of Romandie has become an important target race in its own right. In 2022, organizers introduced a women’s event held in the fall.
Chris Froome during the 2013 Tour de Romandie Stage 5 time-trial. Photo by Thortuck, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The mountainous race traditionally kicks off and concludes with time trials, spanning approximately one week as it winds through the Jura and Alpine Mountain ranges of Western Switzerland. The thrilling finale often takes place in Lausanne, racing towards Lake Geneva and back.
Q1. Twelve riders have won Romandie twice, but only one has triumphed here three times. Who is the all-time winningest rider at the Tour de Romandie?
Q2. What is the best finish by an American woman at the Tour de Romandie?
Q3. Many readers may remember Tyler Hamilton’s now controversial, given his doping confessions, back-to-back Romandie wins of 2003 and 2004. He was not, however, the first American to win the Tour de Romandie. Can you name that rider and the year?
Q4. As an important prep race, who was the last rider to win both the Tour de Romandie and then the Tour de France in the same year? How about the Tour de Romandie-Giro d’Italia double? s
Q5. Many riders have won the Romandie-Giro or Romandie-Tour double, but only one rider has won all three in a single season. Who was that rider? Hint: It is probably not who you think it is!
LIÈGE, Belgium (April 21, 2024) — A brilliant Liège-Bastogne-Liège performance on Sunday saw Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) take the win as he proved far too strong for his rivals in La Doyenne. After a jubilant Pogacar raised his arms aloft on the Quai des Ardennes in Liège, he was followed over the finish line by Romain Bardet (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL) 1’39” behind in second and Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck), who headed a bunch sprint for third. Pogacar blasted away from his rivals on La Redoute and went on to secure his sixth Monument title, matching the tally of World Champion Van der Poel.
The full contingent of 175 riders on the entry list started the 110th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, departing from the Quai des Ardennes at 10.10am, with 254.5km of tough racing awaiting the peloton over the hard climbs of the last Monument of the spring.
4 + 5 = 9
Gil Gelders (Soudal Quick-Step), Rémy Rochas (Groupama – FDJ), Lilian Calmejane (Intermarché – Wanty) and Paul Ourselin (TotalEnergies) were the four riders who attacked early and they led by 15″ at km 3.5. Fabien Doubey (TotalEnergies), Enzo Leijnse (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL), Christian Scaroni (Astana Qazaqstan Team), Iván Romeo (Movistar Team) and Loïc Vliegen (Bingoal WB) then joined the early breakaway at km 6. Danny van der Tuuk (Equipo Kern Pharma) valiantly chased for several kilometres to join them, though his efforts were eventually unsuccessful, so it was a group of 9 determined riders who stayed clear.
Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates colleagues rode with him at the front of the peloton, ensuring they were in control, whilst the bunch was 3’ adrift of the breakaway after 30km of racing. That gap was slightly reduced to 2’35” by km 52, but then steadily grew – and as the breakaway left Bastogne with 155km of racing to go they had a lead of 4’10”.
Crash causes a split
With 100km to go the 9 rider-breakaway’s gap was down to 1’10” and the riders faced cross-head winds as they made their way north from Bastogne to Liège. Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) was just behind a crash which involved three riders, Chris Hamilton, Toon Clynhens and Junior Lecerf. Van der Poel was not impacted by that first crash, before another big accident in the bunch with 98km remaining saw him lose ground as the peloton was split in two. A large group was delayed by that crash, notably including Van der Poel and Valentin Madouas. Ahead, the group including Pogacar continued its efforts before approaching the Mont-le-Soie climb.
The breakaway is caught
Leijnse, Calmejane, Vliegen and Romeo could not keep up the pace on the Mont-le-Soie ascent and soon the remaining escapees were chased down. As the surviving breakaway riders started the Côte de Wanne ascent their lead on the peloton was just 14″, but early on that climb they were swallowed up by the peloton. Gelders, Rochas, Scaroni, Doubey and Ourselin caught by the bunch on the first slopes of the Côte de Wanne, at km 166.
Pidcock stops then counter attacks
A mechanical problem for Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers) saw him stop for a bike change and temporarily fall behind the Van der Poel group. There were around 50 riders in this trailing group – including Van der Poel and Simon Yates (Team Jayco AlUla) – which continued to lose ground, with a 1’10” deficit at km 174, as the UAE Team Emirates kept the pressure on up front. Pidcock recovered and then launched out of the Van der Poel group on the Côte de Stockeu to try to join the Pogacar group and he was followed in that move by Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain – Victorious) and Mauri Vansevenant (Soudal Quick-Step). Rémy Rochas and Romain Grégoire (Groupama – FDJ) also managed to join Pidcock and Vansevenant’s chasing group and 71km from the finish the peloton was all back together.
The teams were fighting for prominence at the front of the peloton ahead of the Côte de La Redoute climb. Then Pogacar exploded on La Redoute at 34.5 km from the finish and was only followed initially by Richard Carapaz (EF Education – EasyPost), who eventually could not stay with him. As he went over the summit of Côte de La Redoute Pogacar was 8″ clear and he increased his advantage on the descent. That lead increased to 50” within 4km after La Redoute, Pogacar confidently leading the way ahead of a group including Vansevenant, Bernal, Carapaz, Van Gils and Lutsenko.
Counter attack
Several more riders joined the chasing group, namely Healy, Grégoire, Benoot, Vlasov, Skjelmose, Almeida, Hirschi, Bardet, Cosnefroy and Paret-Peintre. Irish champion Healy and the leader of the dsm-firmenich team Bardet set out in pursuit of Pogacar, joined in the chase by Grégoire and Cosnefroy, but they were still 1′ behind the race leader as they reached Côte des Forges. Bardet attacked for second on the final Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons climb and made it on to the podium again after his 3rd place in the Doyenne in 2018. Van der Poel completed the 2024 Liège-Bastogne-Liège podium securing third in a bunch sprint to the line. Maxim Van Gils in 4th and Aurélien Paret-Peintre in 5th completed the top 5.
Romain Bardet: “I’ve never felt so strong on a bike”
“I thought about 2018 in the finale, yes. In this race I was too often frustrated by missing good opportunities. This time, after the decisive attack on La Redoute, we had to be there in that second fight and get rid of as many rivals as possible. I had goosebumps on Roche-aux-Faucons because it’s a climb that I really like. I knew it was going to be important because I have already seen in the past that at this point we could take advantage of the situation. At that point 5 seconds can be enough, you just need to not break down mentally. It was to be expected that Tadej Pogacar would attack on La Redoute and we saw how strong he was. I knew at that moment that I was going to fight for the podium. I always believed it was possible, otherwise I would have stopped already. If I continue, it’s simply because I’ve never felt so strong on a bike. But my competitors are even stronger. In any case, finding myself on the podium between Pogacar and Van der Poel will make a beautiful photo that I can frame for my son.”
Mathieu Van der Poel: “I’m really happy to end up on the podium”
“I’m happy with that. We came back to the front after a long pursuit and I already felt my legs were tired a bit. But even with the legs from Roubaix or Flanders it would have been hard to follow Tadej. I’m realistic enough, I know that if Pogacar has a good day I can’t follow him even with my best legs. You never know, he could have a bad day, or at least I hope he can! He was impressive again today. I think my Classics season was already more than successful. I’m really happy to end up on the podium here today. Everybody has their races and I did what I had to do in mine.”
Tadej Pogacar: “I’m full of emotion”
“Two years ago just before Liège Urska’s mother passed away and last year I broke my hand, so the last two years were really difficult. I was riding for Urska’s mother today and I’m really happy that finally I can again win in this beautiful race. Thanks to all the team that worked for me today, because it was amazing teamwork and I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m full of emotion. We rode hard on the climbs and safe on the downhills and on La Redoute we did exactly what we’d said. From then on it was suffering to the finish. After these kind of long races it’s really special to come home solo, also with my national champion’s jersey it’s beautiful to come like this to the finish.”
The Moment of Grace
LIÈGE, Belgium (April 21, 2024) — After two runner-up positions in 2020 and 2022, Australia’s Grace Brown finally got her first Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes victory. The FDJ-SUEZ rider played her cards exactly like she did four years ago, breaking away midway through the race to play for the win in the final. Lizzie Deignan managed to upset her that day, and a powerful trio with Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek), Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM) seemed poised to do so this year after linking back from the bunch. Yet, on the final sprint in Liège’s Quai des Ardennes, Brown managed to defeat Longo Borghini and Vollering to deservingly raise her arms in victory.
140 riders took the start on the 8th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes at 13:45. There was one non-starter: Barbara Malcotti (Human Powered Health). The 152,9-kilometre ride from Bastogne to Liège was tackled on steady, sunny conditions and against cross-head winds that slowed the riders down. A breakaway attempt by Cofidis’ Spela Kern and Arkéa-Samsic’s Titia Ryo failed to stick ahead of the Côte de Saint-Roch (km 15,8 – 1 km at 11,2%), where Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal Team) took off to establish herself solo at the front. Stina Kagevi (Coop-Repsol) went clear from the peloton at kilometer 39, as did Sara Martín (Movistar Team) and Kim Cadzow (EF Education-Cannondale) a bit later on. At the foot of the Côte de Mont-le-Soie (km 59,7 – 1,7 km at 7,9%), Gigante held a 1’45” gap on Kagevi, 2’20” on the duo behind and 2’55” on a peloton that was about to pick up the pace.
Martín and Cadzow overtook Kagevi on the Côte de Wanne (km 67,9 – 3,6 km at 5,1%), but were quickly reeled in by the bunch before the Côte de Stockeu (km 74,5 – 1 km at 12,5%), atop which Gigante’s lead had plummeted down to 1’00”. It was on this climb and the following descent that an eight-woman group took off with Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime), Lucinda Brand (Lidl-Trek), Eva van Agt (Visma | Lease a Bike), Élise Chabbey (Canyon//SRAM), Mikayla Harvey (UAE Team ADQ), Grace Brown (FDJ-SUEZ), Flora Perkins (Fenix-Deceuninck) and, again, Cadzow. They linked up with Gigante on the Col du Rosier (km 92,9 – 4,4 km at 5,9%), where Cofidis’ Julie Bégo set off in pursuit from a bunch where no team took the reins. Five kilometres from the Côte de la Redoute (km 119 – 1,6 km at 9,4%), the nine riders in the lead held a 30” gap on Bégo and 3’00” on the peloton.
Lidl-Trek took on the helm in the bunch ahead of La Redoute. It was on this climb where Chabbey, Cadzow and Brown dropped the rest of her breakaway companions, who were brought back one by one by the peloton. The front trio held a 1’00” gap at the foot of the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons (km 139,6 – 1,3 km at 11%). Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) unleashed a powerful acceleration there – one that only Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM) could match. They joined the head of the race with 9 kilometres to go, and had a scare with 7 left to race as Brown missed a left-hand turn and nearly crashed. Despite the Canyon//SRAM riders’ repeated efforts to go clear, the six women in the lead made it together to the final straight in Liège’s Quai des Ardennes. Niewiadoma led out with Longo Borghini on wheel two. For a moment, the Italian national champion seemingly had the win in her pocket, yet Brown managed to overtake her in the final 100 meters.
Demi Vollering (SD Worx-ProTime): “I went too late in the final sprint, and it was a mistake”
Anything could happen today in the final kilometres. It could go one way or the other. I tried to stay sharp. Elisa [Longo Borghini] was also alone, so I assumed he would jump on anything. In the final sprint, I went too late. I stayed a little bit too long on the wheels and it was a mistake.
It was a really easy race. We rode slowly because of the headwind. Some girls attacked, and we kept it cool. We closed the gap, so I don’t believe that we let it grow too big. I think the team did a really good job – Femke and Blanka rode all day to protect us, then Niamh [Fisher-Black] took over in La Redoute. All three pulled afterwards, as Mischa [Bredewold] dropped from the break to help us out. It’s a pity that she couldn’t stay in the front group, because it would have been very nice. Anyway, I believe my teammates did a great job today.
Regrets about the Classics campaign? I have regrets mostly about this race. Amstel Gold Race got down to become a criterium race due to the circumstances. La Flèche Wallonne Femmes was easier than normal too, with several climbs left out of the course. I was feeling very well that day, but Kasia [Niewiadoma] was stronger in the Mur de Huy. As for today, I made a stupid mistake, because I was on a position to win and I didn’t. This would leave a hangover feeling that will take a couple of days for me to overcome.
I didn’t think about pressure during the race. It’s before and after the race when you realize that you come away with nothing. During the race, everybody is nervous – that’s normal, and even good. It’s more inbetween the races that you feel bad about not having won anything.
This will make me angrier ahead of La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es. Two years ago, I felt really bad about getting away with nothing from the Ardennes, and the last year I made the triple. What happened this week can give me some extra energy for the future.
Elisa Longo-Borghini (Lidl-Trek): “I got a bad client in Grace Brown – chapeau to her!”
It was a very long sprint. Kasia [Niewiadoma] had a gap and I could close it. I launched my sprint with 200 meters to go, and in the last 75m Grace overtook me. I have to say I’m satisfied, as I came here aiming for a good result and I had good legs. My team and I did our best today and, even if it is a bit disappointing to be second, it is what it is. Congratulations to Grace [Brown], as she was the fastest today.
To be fair, I always believed we would catch the breakaway because I was supported by a very strong team. My Lidl-Trek teammates rode really hard onto the Roche-aux-Faucons, and I just had to finish off the work they did. I was sure we would catch the women at the front, but there was a chance that some of them would stick with us as the terrain to the finish in Liège was quite rolling. Unfortunately, I got a bad client in Grace… but again, chapeau to her.
Maybe I was the strongest today, but in cycling the strongest does not always win. Victory can go to the fastest, or the smartest, or the best at taking corners… This is what makes cycling fantastic, in my opinion. I don’t think I did too much – I just did what I had to do.
Grace Brown (FDJ-SUEZ): “I was confident I could win the final sprint”
We know that quite often a really strong breakaway goes in middle section of this race. The plan was for me or one of my teammates to be in that break. It was finally me who made it. We worked well together and built very decent gap that surprised me. I knew that, if the break survived, it was going to be a long day for me. I was in there just to get a head start ahead of the climbs, so I didn’t have to drive it. Some other riders were more motivated than me to pull. As the peloton was not riding fast, we didn’t have to push hard at the front.
Once we got over La Redoute with a group of three I thought we definitely could make it with the front group to the finish. I felt I was on the limit in the last climbs, but once I survived La Roche-aux-Faucons I knew everything was downhill to the finish. Even when the three riders came from behind, I believed I was the strongest sprinter on the group and I was confident I could win the race on the final sprint.
In the closing kilometres, I was mainly managing the late attacks from Canyon//SRAM. As they were playing one-two moves, I gambled a bit on which ones to follow. I tried to play it patiently as Kim [Cadzow] chased Kasia [Niewiadoma] down with Elisa [Longo Borghini] on her wheel. I was hoping I could come around them in the final meters. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t… and this time it did!
This is probably the biggest win of my career so far. I have had many 2nd places in many good races, but this is the first Monument me and my team have won. It’s an exciting page on the history books for both me and my team. My next race will be La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es, and then I will take a little break.
Description: This recall involves Full Speed Ahead’s Gossamer Pro AGX+ bicycle cranksets, model CK-6037. They were sold separately and on bicycles including Cannondale, Canyon, Marin, Haro, Fuji, and Pinarello gravel brands. “FSA Gossamer Pro” is etched on the front of the crankarm. The model and serial numbers can be found on the back of the bicycle’s crankarm, next to the pedal threads. Only serial numbers beginning with B1, B2 or B3 are included in this recall.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the bicycles with the recalled cranksets, and contact Full Speed Ahead for instructions on how to receive free dealer installation of a new replacement crankset.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 277 reports of bicycle crankarms loosening or detaching. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Independent bicycle stores nationwide and online through the bicycle brands including Cannondale, Canyon, Marin, Haro, Fuji, and Pinarello from January 2022 through June 2023 for about $190 for the crankarm, and between $1,700 and $4,000 for the bicycles.
Importer(s): Full Speed Ahead Inc., of Mukilteo, Washington
The iconic Ride the Rockies supported bike tour is cancelled for 2024 and its future is in doubt. In a statement on the Ride the Rockies website, organizers cited lack of registrations for the ride originally scheduled for June. This year’s ride was to travel through Southwestern Colorado from Steamboat Springs to Fruita over 6 days.
Scenes from the 2023 Ride the Rockies. Photo by Ryan Muncy, ryanmuncyphotography.com
The statement reads:
“Dear Ride The Rockies Cyclists, After much consideration and evaluation of the limited registration, we regret that Ride The Rockies 2024 is cancelled. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the towns, participants, sponsors, crew, volunteers, and supporters who have had a role in making this ride so special for the past 37 years.
The ride is owned by Ventures Endurance, the promoters of RAGBRAI and the Tour of Battenkill as well as many running events. They took over the ride 2 years ago from the Denver Post Foundation.
Registered riders seeking a refund should visit the Ride the Rockies website: https://ridetherockies.com
As for the future of the ride, the organizers stated only, “We are assessing the best options for this beloved ride.”
2024 Series gets off to a flyer with the Fuego XL 100k at the Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental
MONTEREY, California (April 19, 2024) — History repeated itself in the opening race of the 2024 Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda, with Keegan Swenson winning his third consecutive Fuego XL 100k and Sofia Gómez Villafañe also repeating her success of 2023.
Swenson led from the front in the men’s race, pulling away with 15 other riders before going solo in the closing stages and pressing home his advantage, crossing the line with a 49-second winning margin.
Keegan Swenson three-peats at the Sea Otter Fuego XL 100K. Photo courtesy Life Time
American compatriot Alexey Vermeulen battled hard to finish in second place with South African Matthew Beers a further 17 seconds back in third.
Sofia Gómez Villafañe repeats her 2023 win at the Sea Otter Fuego XL 100K. Photo courtesy Life Time
In the women’s race, Villafañe proved in a class of her own. The Argentine attacked from the gun and only Alexis Skarda (United States) was able to keep pace with her on the opening lap.
That situation didn’t last long though, and by the time Villafañe climbed Lookout Ridge for the second time she’d built a lead of almost two minutes, and that advantage only continued to grow.
Sofia Gómez Villafañe. Photo courtesy Life Time
The 29 year old flew down the descent to the finish and wrapped up an incredible win by three minutes and 40 seconds.
New Zealander Samara Sheppard, making her Life Time Grand Prix debut, finished the women’s race in second, 17 seconds ahead of an impressive Hannah Otto (United States).
Those results mean Swenson and Villafane sit at the top of the men’s and women’s overall standings on 35 points respectively, with Vermeulen and Sheppard both on 33 points, and Beers and Otto two points further behind.
Reaction from the Fuego XL 100k:
Men’s winner Keegan Swenson said: “In the first race of the year you never really know where your fitness is at so it was good to have a hard and tactical race today. There was a pretty large group for the first lap and a half and not many guys were willing to do the work on the front. That meant we were fighting for the technical and singletrack sections, and it took a while for Matt [Beers], Alexey [Vermeulen] and I to create a gap and then work together for a bit. I managed to break clear from them on the descent to the final climb and then extend my lead into the finish.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year and I’ve been racing here since I was 17 years old. I have a lot of good memories and it’s always fun to come back and race in Monterey.”
Women’s winner Sofia Gómez Villafañe said: “This is the first race of the year I’ve had where we had a separate women’s start. That gave us the opportunity to get a gauge on where everyone is and I had a good day. Last year I remember leading on the first singletrack descent and getting a gap, so I put in a big push at the top of the tarmac and build a pretty big lead again and decided to run with it.
“Alexis Skarda was able to bridge up at the end of lap one and we worked together until I felt she was hurting. I wondered if it might be too early to go but thought I’d give it a shot and I’m super-stoked to come away on the top step of the podium.
“It was 100% my decision to ride this Series again this year. I’ve already won the Grand Prix so that gave me the freedom to take some risks today and thankfully it worked out.”
Click HERE (men) and HERE (women) for the full race results.
