Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series hit the halfway point of its season with its July 11 race. Of course, it’s not all downhill from there.

A number of grueling challenges await in the season’s final three races, starting today with the Quarry Mountain Cross-Country on the expansive network of singletrack on Emerald Mountain.

The children’s races begin at 5:25 p.m. followed by adults at 6 p.m., all starting in front of the concrete grandstands at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena.

The Quarry Mountain Cross-Country is no easy task, especially for the most competitive race classes.

The race’s course winds up and back down Emerald Mountain, shooting up Bluffs and hitting the Quarry Mountain trail hard before descending, eventually back along Bluffs for a sprint finish in front of the rodeo stands. Click here for a detailed description of the course for each race division.

Although three races remain, the season-long points fight may be nearing its conclusion so long as top racers don’t take any untimely vacations. Peter Kalmes has gone undefeated through the season’s first four races and has amassed 30 points for each win. With 120, he’s well ahead of Trevor Walz, in second place at 106. Alex Pond has 102, and Barkley Robinson sits in fourth with 90.

Kate Rench has an even more commanding hold on the women’s expert division. She’s also gone undefeated in the classification and has 120 points. Emily Keiss has 88 for second, and Katie Lindquist sits in third with 81.

Considering each racer can drop a week, there’s precious little time for competitors to gain any ground. That’s a departure from last year, when those two top divisions headed into the final week entirely undecided and a rainout left the racers’ hunger unsatisfied.

Racers still can register for the event online. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Race-day registration must be done in person and increases to $30 for adults and $15 for children.

To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 970-871-4253 or email jreichenberger@SteamboatToday.com