The Largest Mountain Bike Race in the Country with Largest Cash Purse, Takes Place in Prescott, Arizona
Hot on the trail of the 2014 Whiskey Off-Road, the pro category is packed with an ever growing depth of talent. Comprising a who’s who of national and international mountain bikers, Prescott, AZ will host a fierce battle among roughly 150 professional riders for the $40,000 cash purse; the largest single-event mountain bike purse in America equally split between pro male and female categories.
Whiskey Off Road Mountain Bike Race – Video:
On the men’s side, confirmed for the 2014 Whiskey Off-Road is two-time defending champion Geoff Kabush of SCOTT 3Rox Racing, as are his teammates Derek Zandstra and Cameron Jette. Kabush will have his work cut out for him if he wants to three-peat, as several riders from Team Specialized will be in attendance too.
Christoph Sauser of Team Specialized is confirmed, a Swiss rider who was a Bronze Medalist in the 2000 Olympic Games and 2008 UCI XC World Champion. Sauser’s teammate and American favorite Todd Wells is also confirmed and looking for payback after suffering a flat tire last year that dropped him from second to seventh in the final few miles.
Adding to the international draw of the Whiskey Off-Road, German star Markus Bauer of Scott/ Shimano/ Lexware will be in attendance as will some of the brightest future American talent, with 20-year-old Sepp Kuss of BMC Project Dirt looking to capitalize on his second place finish at last year’s Inaugural Grand Junction Off-Road Presented by U.S. Bank. “The Grand” is the second event in Epic Rides Off-Road Series and offers a $20,000 pro cash purse.
Mountain Bikes and Helicopters – Only The Bold Need Apply
On the women’s side, Team Luna Chix will be sending their star rider and four-time Olympian, Czech Republic native Katerina Nash who finished in second place last year. To help Nash vie for the win in 2014, her teammate Danelle Kabush – Geoff’s sister – will also toe the line. Prescott local Chloe Woodruff of the Backcountry.com Bike Team looks to improve upon her solid sixth-place finish in 2013, as will her teammate Evelyn Dong who placed an impressive fourth in her first attempt at the Whiskey. Rounding out the women’s field is first time Whiskey Off-Road contender Mary McConneloug representing Kenda/Stan’s NoTubes/Seven Cycles. Mary brings a known force to the women’s start line as a 2-time Olympian, 2-time Pan American Games silver medalist and 4-time USA XC National Champion.
There will be numerous spectating spots both at the Friday evening Klunker & Pro Fat Tire Criteriums in downtown Prescott and along the 50 Proof (proof = mile) Whiskey Off-Road course on Sunday morning. Among the favorite spots is the crest of a long and arduous climb at Sierra Prieta Overlook and along the last section of rocky, technical trail that runs along Miller Creek just outside of town.
Whether spectating in Prescott or residing halfway across the world, fans of the Whiskey Off-Road will have live results during the entire event weekend at www.epicrides.com.
2014 Whiskey Off Road Schedule
About Epic Rides
Founded in 1999, Epic Rides has become world famous for producing events that celebrate the many positive aspects of mountain biking. Events such as the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, the Grand Junction Off-Road presented by U.S. Bank, the Tour of the White Mountains and the Whiskey Off-Road are popular with participants because they offer challenging, fun riding and emphasize the joy and camaraderie inherent in the sport.
