Elkhorn Classic Stage Race set for 9th run June 18-20

Jun 14, 2010 by editor

BAKER CITY — The Elkhorn Classic Stage Race is the next gem on the state’s hit parade of top-notch stage races. The three-day, four-stage race will sweep into Baker City June 18-20 for the 9th running of the annual event.

Hagens Berman rider Adrian Hegyvary, who is riding this year with the UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team, won last year’s race in front of Bob’s Bicycles’ Kevin Rowe and Land Rover/ORBEA’s Bobby Sweating. Bend Bike ‘n’ Sport’s Teri Sheasby, riding this year with the Veloforma team, won last year’s women’s race in front of Alisha Welsh (OCIM) and Melissa McWhirter (Veloforma).

STAGE 1 Oregon Trail Road Race
The 76-mile course starts with a neutral roll out of Baker City Friday afternoon before heading over flat, wide roads to North Powder. The race climbs briefly and then descends through Pyles Canyon and up to the next climb through Catherine Creek Canyon. More descending and climbing leads to a set of power rollers before the final flat 3k run into the finish outside of Baker City. A small breakaway of eventual Men’s Pro/1/2 GC contenders got away on this stage last year.

STAGE 2 Pleasant Valley Time Trial
This Saturday morning time trial starts outside of town and sends riders twisting and turning through the outskirts of town with an eventual finishing run down main street in downtown Baker City.

STAGE 3 Gold Rush Criterium
Saturday afternoon’s Gold Rush criterium on the downtown six corner, 1k course flies over flat, wide streets and is always a crowd-pleaser. The afternoon begins with the Elkhorn Youth Series Kiddie Kilo at 2 p.m. The course opens for warm up at 2:30, and racing begins at 3 p.m.

STAGE 4 Dooley Mountain Road Race
Sunday’s Dooley Mountain Road Race is often decisive in the battle for the overall. The 101.6-mile loop throws 7,075 of climbing at the riders as they traverse three major climbs and a summit finish atop the namesake mountain. With a steady six percent grade that has numerous tight switchbacks, it is a final chance to really shake up the overall competition. The first category departs Baker City High School at 8 a.m.

Preregistration closed today at 7 p.m. Late entry requests can be made to the race organizers. The cost of late entries is $150. For more information visit http://www.elkhornclassic.com/

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