The Breck Epic
Final Stage - Gold Dust Loop
Cory Wallace / 10.07.2009
The final stage of the inaugural Breck Epic went off without a hitch as the 150 riders did their parade lap around the final 33 mile course. The pace was blazing today as all the top riders knew the winning time would be around 2.5hrs and there was nothing to save their legs for. Cat 1 roadie, Jorge Espinoza (Horizon Organic Cycling) was riding strongly all week but had a number of mechanicals that kept him at bay, but today he finally had the day he was looking for and stomped the smooth course. In the lead pack of 6 riders coming onto the easy graded (3-4%) gravel road leading up to Boreas Pass, Espinoza made his move and time trialed up to the top. Bishop and Brown were marking each other and didn\'t realize just how much time Espinoza was making on them.
\"It was kind of like a Tour de France stage in which the pack lets the escape group get a little too much time\" stated Bishop after the race. \"We both thought there was about a half minute gap and that we could bring him back on the descent, but at the second feed station we were given word he was over 2 minutes up the road!\" Bishop and Brown would manage to get 15 seconds back on Espinoza on the 5 mile descent going into the finish but in the end they would come in close to 2 minutes back of the Boulder native.
Talking to Espinoza after the race he was pretty stoked about his ride. \"I knew there were a couple guys 5 minutes ahead of me in the GC so I figured I would give it my all today to see what I could make it up.\" Much to his liking the course was smooth and the two long climbs were at a very low gradient so he could power over them and time trial down the fast descents. Much to his credit, Espinoza left it all on the table and the other riders were left trying to chase him down, which proved impossible as it was very difficult to make up time on the course as it was all about pushing the big gear, which suited the tree trunk thighed Espinoza just fine.
At the finish line the riders were banana smiled and cracking cold ones as they cheered on the other racers coming across the line. Many of the single speeders had great days on the steady course but I still figure they are missing a couple screws in their tool boxes. The winners of the single speed categories will be walking away with custom built Spot bicycles after tonight’s awards ceremony so maybe after all they are a step ahead of the rest of us as they know were the loot is.
Talking to race organizer Mike McCormack last night it sounds like this race is around for good and next year there will be a field limit of 250 riders so anyone who is interested in the race should get on board soon as it will surely sell out. The dates for next year are set for August 22nd to 29th.
After racing a few Mtb stage races (TransMexicana and La Ruta both twice) I would say the Breck Epic is pretty unique as the days are a lot shorter and there is no moving camp between races, which makes for a pretty relaxing time. The altitude is definitely a challenge but the singletrack riding was great and the scenery even better. With the solid organization and a few minor course adjustments I am sure this race will become a staple on many endurance cyclists calendars for yrs to come.
Final Results: http://www.cjtiming.com/BreckEpic/index.html
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