Organisers of the 2013 Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge suspended stage 3 of the event after on Tuesday, as heavy overnight rains caused flooding along the Tuul River.
The stage was suspended just 40km into the 148km stage from the banks of the Tuul River to racers’ campsite (Kavcir Ganga), with rains bringing cooler temperatures and making “one of the larger rivers impassable”.
The cancellation of stage, which would have taken riders through the Khan Khentii National Park, saved riders 2,000m of climbing, much of which would have been achieved via a 28km climb to the finish. Riders were instead transferred to the finish, where they had extra time visiting and meeting local nomads.
Officials will issue updated result on Wednesday, but said stage 4 is planned to proceed as scheduled and have announced that stage 4 will also be effected by the weather conditions. Riders will face up to 120km of the planned 175km, with 2,450m climbing coming down to 1,800m.
For updates on the race so far, click here (stage 1) or here (stage 2).
Australian rider and former national U23 Cross Country Champion Mark Frendo is taking on the race for the first time and currently sits in 4th place. He sat down several days ago for this interview: