April 29/08 1:29 am - The Intermontane Challenge

Posted by Editoress on 04/29/08
 

Kamloops Welcomes World-Class Mountain Bike Race in 2009
Courtesy The Intermontane Challenge

Kamloops, The Tournament Capital of Canada, is about to welcome one of the most unique and lucrative mountain bike races in the world - The Intermontane Challenge. The 450-kilometre race is a cross-country stage race spanning five days, July 27-31, 2009, and features a purse of $60,000 - three times as much prize money as any race in North America.

The Intermontane Challenge is also the only race of its size in the world to feature a single-track, clover leaf design. The distinctive design means everyday the racers tackle a different course and every night the competitors will end up in Kamloops.

Dustin Adams, course designer, World Cup racer and winner of back to back Canadian Championships, says creating the course this way not only benefits riders but will also be beneficial for the Kamloops hospitality industry. “Riders can have a home-base that they return to every night and Kamloops' restaurants and hotels will benefit from the presence of the riders,” he explains.

Adopting the slogan, “200 million years in the making…5 days to conquer,” The Challenge is open to competitors from all over the world. Some big names in the industry, such as renowned elite racer Jon Nutbrown, have already expressed interest in competing in the race.

Adams says he isn't surprised that people are already responding positively to the race. “The networks of single track in Kamloops are endless and exciting,” he says. “The Intermontane Challenge will give riders worldwide a small taste of the outstanding riding available in Kamloops.”

Local race organizers and creators, Chuck Brennan, Kelly Servinski and Adams, all have extensive riding experience and say they are looking forward to hosting a race of this magnitude in their own backyard. Servinski, who has participated in staged mountain bike races around the world, says he sees unlimited potential with such a high calibre race.

“We're pretty stoked that not only will we have a premier annual event in Kamloops with different courses each time, but we'll also be establishing, in partnership with the City of Kamloops, a legacy of trail systems for locals and visitors alike,” explains Servinski, director of marketing for The Intermontane Challenge.

The Intermontane Challenge will have categories for men and women and will include solo and two-rider teams. Registration starts up in September 2008 for the 2009 inaugural event and will be limited the first year to 300 total riders. A weekend preview of parts of the course will be taking place this year on September 6-7.

For more information: www.intermontanechallenge.com