(September 19, 2009) DURANGO, Colo.— Ross Schnell and Heather Irmiger won the 2009 singlespeed world championships, out riding a field of over 1000 riders on a steep and very rocky course above Durango. Other top riders were Matt Shriver, JHK, Ned Overend, Kelli Emmet-maybe??…. After that the results get a bit fuzzy.
The 24 (?) mile course punished riders right from the start, climbing a paved road to a short descent that transitioned into a long slog on a powerline road. That road faded to singletrack, which got steeper and steeper until riders were forced to hike-a-bike for 250 meters to gain the Raider Ridge trail—a nasty, rocky, technical materpiece of a trail that followed the ridgeline for several miles back to Durango.
After a steep descent off the ridge, the course became smooth and fast but the suffering never ended till you reached the beer tent.
“I had pretty much blown my wad on the ridge,” said Schnell. “I had only pre-ridden the first half of the course so I didn’t really know what was left and I was completely blown when we hit the last bit of climbing.”
Irmiger and Schnell received their customary tattoos later that evening at Ska Brewery in Durango.
In classic SSWC fashion, bids for 2010 were hotly contested in a competition chosen by the current promoters. In Durango, a preliminary round of Karaoke narrowed the field to Italy and New Zealand on Friday night.
New Zealand out dribbled the Italians in a final round of basketball and won the bid for 2010.
More details later—as soon as the fog clears. For now enjoy these images by Scott DW Smith.
Riders string out as they begin the initial climb early in the race. This climb transitioned into relentlessly steep singletrack with little or no recovery.
Travis Brown in good position on Raider Ridge. A Two time SS world champion, Brown was a favorite on his home course but ended up in the ER after crashing out on a cobble stone descent one hour into it. “I’m moving a bit slow but nothing is broken,” said Brown after the race. “I’ll still make it to the party at Ska tonight”.
Ross Schnell on Raider Ridge.
Another local favorite, Ned Overend rode a good race.
Who’s This? Shriver?
Who’s this?
Who’s this?
Who’s this?
Heather Irmiger donned Paolo Pezzo’s original camo skinsuit for the occasion. Class.
Emmett?
Shanna Powell rockin her favorit tutu on Raider Ridge Trail.
Raider ridge was a technical masterpiece with one tricky move after another. Joe Graff illustrates there was a lot of rock and a lot of places to stuff it.
…lots of places to stuff it.
Jaw ache from smiling too much is a good thing.
The big hike-a-bike buried everyone at the start.
2009 SS World Champion Ross Schnell enjoys a cold malty beverage at the finish.
The finish line was a beautiful site.
There was celebration for all who finished.
SSWC10 hopfulls Italy and New Zealand survived the preliminary Karaoke round on Friday night and moved on the basketball challenge Saturday night.
