2013 Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge: Stage One

Wallace and Williamson take Stage One of the 2013 GENCO Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea

Stage One of the 2013 Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea was a 120-kilometer loop in an out of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex in Tuv Province with 2,950 metres of climbing. The heat of the Mongolian sun combined with the seemingly endless short, steep climbing sections challenged the professionals and age-groupers alike.


Defending champion, Cory Wallace continues his dominance in Mongolia regaining the Pink Jersey which has held since Stage One of 2012. He did so in impressive fashion leaving a talented group of riders at the 90km mark solo-ing to a 7-minute victory over his nearest competitors, Mark Frendo (former Australian U23 XC National Champion) and Antonio Ortiz (Selle SMP) of Spain.

In the Elite Women’s field, 2013 ABSA Cape Epic Winner, Catherine Williamson (Bizhub-Energas) of the UK put in a strong first performance giving her a commanding lead of 30 minutes on her nearest rivals, American Sonya Looney (Topeak Ergon), and Erin Greene (Endura NZ) of New Zealand.

Stage Two takes the racers 125 kilometres to the Khan Khentii area on the bank of the Tuul River via the Zamt Hills.

All Photos by Erik Peterson

Stage One Results in brief:

Elite Men
1. Cory Wallace (Canada) 4:57:20
2. Mark Frendo (Australia) 5:05:56
3. Antonio Ortiz (Spain) 5:06:10

Elite Women
1.Catherine Williamson (UK) 5:33:18
2. Sonya Looney (USA) 6:09:31
3. Eric Greene (NZ) 6:13:04

Full Race Results can be found at www.mongoliabikechallenge.com

The 2013 Genco MBC runs from September 1 to 7. The newly re-designed seven stage course is over 850 kilometres long and includes 14,000 metres of climbing.

Early Bird Registration for the 2014 event opens September 8.