Mongolia Bike Challenge

Queen's Stage Cancelled Due to Bad Weather

Mongolia Bike Challenge / 07.08.2012

With three passes over 2800 meters and some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia, the Queen's Stage promised to be the most epic day of this year's Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea.

Unfortunately, heavy rains forced race organizers to cancel today's stage two thirds into the race, as conditions in the mountains were too dangerous to continue. Riders have a much needed day-off tomorrow before going into the final three stages to Karakorum.

Rest Day at Tamch River

Today athletes rested and recuperated next to the Tamch River after seven epic stages of racing at the 2012 Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea. Yesterday saw the stage shortened due to severe weather conditions in the mountains. Results have been adjusted based on arrival at the second GPM. Athletes not reaching this point before organizers suspended the race have been given an adjusted time and are still in the overall classification.

Cory Wallace (Kona) won the men´s race and keeps his pink leaders jersey. Solongo Tserenlham (Mongolia) won the women´s race followed by Leisbeth Hessens of Belgium. Hessens becomes the new leader in the overall classification.

Today, organizers announced that the eight stage to Urd Tamir will be cancelled due to severe flooding. Athletes will travel tomorrow back to a previous camp and ride an alternate final two stages to Karakorum. Severe and unseasonal weather conditions have become the norm in the Tamch River Valley and surrounding mountains - one of the reasons organizers have decided to run a completely redesigned seven-stage course in 2013.

As tomorrow will be logistically difficult for both organizers and racers, the next race update will be released in two days, on August 8th. The vibe in camp is still high and there is overwhelming support for the decision made by MBC race organizers and their local logistics staff.

Go to the next page to see the PinkBike video edit for Stage 7.