The 2013 GENCO Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea is shaping up to be the most competitive edition yet with endurance athletes from around the world set to take the starting line on September 1, 2013. The elite field is a diverse mix of world-class international athletes, including mountain bikers, road racers, triathletes, and adventurer racers, all with the same goal of reigning supreme in the Land of Genghis Khan.
New this year, the course has changed to a seven day race (leaving the Crocodile Trophy as the longest MTB Stage Race) from the previous 10 day course. But that does not make it easier. It is not until day 5 that riders have a stage under 100km – and instead it is a 45km individual time trial! Full course details are on the race website.
Confirmed racers include:
Cory Wallace creating waves
Cory Wallace, Canada (Kona Factory): Mongolia Bike Challenge Champion (2012), Mongolia Bike Challenge (2011) 2nd, 24hr Canadian Champion (2011 & 2012), 24hr World Championship (2011) 2nd, Trans Rockies Champion (2009)
Jason Sager & Thomas Turner, USA (Team Jamis): BC Bike Race Champions (Team, 2012), Cyclocross World Champion, 30-34 (Turner, 2013)
Ondra Fojtik, Czech Republic (Team Crocodile Trophy): Crocodile Trophy Champion (2008), Iron Bike Italy Champion (2002, 2003, 2004, 2012)
Marcel & Pau Zamora, Spain (Buff-Niner): 5-time Ironman France Champion (Marcel), Mongolia Bike Challenge (2012, Pau) 4th
Erich Wegsheider, USA (Rolf Prima-Orbea): Lavaman Champion (2011, Triathlon)
Antonio Ortiz, Spain (SMP): Roc d’Azur (2002) 6th, Spanish Marathon Championships (2005) 4th, Spanish Cyclocross Championships (2007) 4th
Wolfgang Krenn, Austria (Zwillingscraft Stevens/ Sc Kanuf Liezen/Crocodile Trophy): Salzkammergut Trophy Champion (2011), Crocodile Trophy (2011) 2nd, Cape Epic (2013) 11th
Carter Hovey, Canada (Team MBC): Trans Rockies Champion (Team, 2011), BC Bike Race (2012) 6th, Mongolia Bike Challenge (2012) 5th
Lee Rodgers, UK (Lapierre Asia): Singapore National Road Race Champion (2010), Singapore National TT Champs Champion (2011), Tour de East Java (2012) 2nd GC, Tour of Friendship Champion, GC (2013)
Fan Yung-Yi, Taiwan (Orbea Taiwan): Taiwan KOM Challenge Champion (2010, 2011)
Mike Blewitt. Photo: Dave Bateman
Mike Blewitt, Australia (Subaru-MarathonMTB.com): Crocodile Trophy (Team) 1st, Transalp (Mixed Team, 2012) 5th
Sonya Looney, USA (Topeak Ergon): Breck Epic Champion (2010, 2011), Yak Attack Champion (2012, 2013)
Giuliana Massarotto, Italy (Rudy Project Pedali Di Marca Team Performance): Italian 24hr National Champion (2012), WEMBO 24hr World Championships (2012) 4th
Libby Adamson used her experience and strength to finish 3rd in the 100 Mile Highland Fling
Elisabeth Adamson, Australia (3FIDI): Mongolia Bike Challenge Champion (2012), Australian National 24hr Championships (2013) 2nd
Jennifer Schulz, Canada (Balance Point Racing): BC Bike Race Champion (2012)
With such a strong field, and remote racing, the 2013 Mongolia Bike Challenge is certainly going to be action packed.