You could not ask for a nicer day to be out to compete against such a great group of riders and to have the big crowds on hand to cheer us on. – Ned Overend
EDEN, Weber County — The first ever USA Cycling Fat Bike National Championships took place at Powder Mountain on Saturday. Amateur and professional riders took to the 6-mile course covering more than 700 vertical feet across Powder Mountain's Hidden Lake.
Fat bikes have wide tires that allow bikers to ride over mud, ice — and especially — snow.
“This event is a perfect fit for what our state and our community is all about,” Ogden City mayor Mike Caldwell said. “I have passionately watched and raced bikes, and our state is an outdoor active state. It's inspiring to be around such great athletes.”
After three laps and over 18 miles of racing, Ned Overend of Durango, Colorado, took first place in the Men’s Open Class.
“I think it’s so great that USA Cycling has recognized fat bike,” said Overend. “It is such a fast growing sport. I am so excited to be the first winner of this event. You could not ask for a nicer day to be out to compete against such a great group of riders and to have the big crowds on hand to cheer us on.”
In the Women’s Open Class, Amanda Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who spent the majority of the race in the lead by herself, cruised to a first-place finish.
“What an event,” Miller said. “I had so much fun today. The weather was gorgeous, the competition was great, and most importantly we all had fun, and that is why many of us ride these fat bikes. We have a passion for riding bikes, and fat bikes let us ride year round. It’s special that USA Cycling is recognizing this as a sport and surrounding the event with some great talent.”
FINAL RESULTS
Men Pro Open
- Edmund (Ned) Overend – Durango, Colorado
- Brad Bingham – Steamboat Springs
- Travis Brown – Durango, Colorado
- Women Pro OpenAmanda Miller – Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Rebecca Rusch – Ketchum, Idaho
- Amanda Carey – Victor, Idaho