Crested Butte’s Josh Gallen defended his home turf on Saturday by winning 15-18 Men CAT 2 at the Mountain States Cup Wildflower Rush.
Photos: Bill Gallen
A lot of stuff happened on two wheels last weekend in Crested Butte. Amidst the Chainless World Championships, Bridges of the Butte, Mountain States Cup, and general fun/rowdiness, Josh Gallen, 17, got a win for the home team racing XC. In field of about 20, the Alpine Orthopaedics Junior Team member was able to overcome a first lap hiccup to crush the rest of the competition on the second lap, winning the 15-18 Men XC CAT 2 with an official time of 1:34:00.
Josh Gallen leaving 2nd place behind. Photo: Bill Gallen
The Wildflower Rush XC course was two 8.2 mile laps. Starting out in 3rd, Josh dropped to 10th on the first climb because he slipped out and had to run. Josh was able to recover and pass many riders on the road and started the second lap right behind the leader. Josh passed him on the first climb (see right photo) and extended the lead through the second lap, finishing 2 minutes 51 seconds ahead of 2nd place.
Hopefully, Josh can take this momentum into nationals at Sun Valley. The USA Cycling Mountain Bike XC National Championships take place there on July 5-8. Josh will also be racing at the MSC’s Full Tilt at Telluride on August 10th. Locally, you can try to catch Josh racing at the Pinnacle Race Series held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort on select Thursdays throughout the summer.
Special thanks to Josh and his dad, Bill, for help with this article.
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