Today athletes rested and recuperated next to the Tamch River after seven epic stages of racing at the 2012 Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea. Yesterday saw the stage shortened due to severe weather conditions in the mountains. Results have been adjusted based on arrival at the second GPM. Athletes not reaching this point before organizers suspended the race have been given an adjusted time and are still in the overall classification. Cory Wallace (Kona) won the men’s race and keeps his pink leaders jersey. Solongo Tserenlham (Mongolia) won the women´s race followed by Leisbeth Hessens of Belgium. Hessens becomes the new leader in the overall classification.
Mongolia Bike Challenge p/b Orbea 2012 – Day Off on Pinkbike
Today, organizers announced that the eight stage to Urd Tamir will be cancelled due to severe flooding. Athletes will travel tomorrow back to a previous camp and ride an alternate final two stages to Karakorum. Severe and unseasonal weather conditions have become the norm in the Tamch River Valley and surrounding mountains – one of the reasons organizers have decided to run a completely re-designed seven-stage course in 2013.
Mongolian support crew show off their tent construction skills. Photo: Margus Riga
Camp stayed put today. Photo: Margus Riga
It’s all good! Photo: Margus Riga
The field’s bikes enjoy their day off. Photo: Margus Riga
As always, support crews are critical. Photo: Margus Riga