The 9th Annual Crested Butte Classic took place this past Saturday, coinciding with the local festival, Vinotok. A week earlier than usual, riders gathered at 7 AM in town for the “group ride.” The course of 100 miles climbs 13,500 feet over 3 classic laps in the surrounding West Elk Mountains.
The 2012 course had a couple of changes from previous years’ which riders said offered more punishment and suffering in comparison. The 1st lap was Strand Hill and Deer Creek. That led to the 2nd lap, huge climbs up Slate de Huez for 403 and Schofield Pass for 401, adding the lower section of 401. The 3rd lap went up through the Irwin townsite to the Dyke trail and returned through Horsepark Ranch, Kebler Pass, and the Wagon trail back into the town of Crested Butte. Check out the interactive map of the race course by Crank Collective.
Gunnison local Brian Smith defended his 2011 win finishing in just under 8 hours; 30 minutes in front of second place finisher Mike McAuley. Alison Powers won the women’s field (we are still waiting for the official women’s results).
1 – Brian Smith – 7 hours 59 minutes.
2 – Mike McAuley – 8 hours 29 minutes.
3 – Jordan Williford – 8 hours and 34 minutes.
4 – Dave Ochs – 8 hours 45 minutes.
5 – Neil Beltchenko – 8 hours 46 minutes.
6 – Evan Ross – 8 hours 48 minutes
7 – Billy Laird – 8 hours 48 minutes 20 seconds
8 – John Mallow – 8 hours 49 minutes
9 – Jafar Tabaian – 8 hours 55 minutes
10 – Ward Baker – 9 hours 3 minutes
Pat Addabbo – 9 hours 26 minutes
Justin Varaljay – 9 hours 44 minutes
Check back for photos as we get them. Many thanks to the race organizer and birthday boy, Dave Ochs. With the leaves changing and the temperatures cooling off it is time to start thinking about going to the western slope offerings of Fruita, Grand Junction, and of course, Moab.
Meanwhile, enjoy last year’s video recap brought to you by Chris Miller.
Crested Butte Classic from chris miller on Vimeo.
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