Race Report: Nic Beechan & Ellie Krafft Win at Tour of the White Mountains by epic-rides

Photos by Eddie Clark

Nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, the Tour of the White Mountains treats mountain bike racers to a fine day of trails and singletrack that utilize the Pinetop Lakes activity and equestrian center. Onsite camping, food vendors, a beer garden and nightly live music are just a few of the additional draws that brought over a thousand mountain bikers to Pinetop for the weekend. In its 26th year of running, racers got to experience splendid Southeastern Arizona Fall weather with mild temperatures and blue skies for most of the day.

Registration, packet pickup, and live music were the order of business for Friday night.

Tasty draft beer from Pinetop Brewing and a big bonfire was also pretty nice

Race Director Todd Sadow welcomes racers at the Friday night racers meeting.

A warm fire makes for a good start to a big day of racing.

50 miles racers took off with a blast at 7:15am.

Keegan Field led the 50-mile racers into the Chipmunk trail climb.

Nic Beechan would go back and forth with Keegan Field for much of the first half of the race.

Racers blast past the first aid station at around 13 miles before starting a long climb on Los Burro trail.

CZ Racings Zac Petruska on Los Burro climb.

Keegan Field on the front again with Beechan close behind.

One of the numerous tricky sections of Los Burro Trail.

Ethan Pepe led for part of the 35-mile race, and ultimately finished in 2nd

Jason Tullous claimed the 35-mile race win with a time of 2:33:46,

Daniel Muñoz rounded out the top 3 in the Open Men's 50-mile race

Jonathan Dufek with the hardest win - the Men's 50 miles Singlespeed race.

15-year-old Ellie Krafft took the win in the Junior Women's race, and also was the fastest woman overall with a time of 4:32:00.

Maga Sanchez would claim the Women's Open win.

Melissa Newbrey crushing to take the 35 mile Women's Singlespeed win.

Ellen Spatt took the win in the 35 mile Distinguished Women's race.

Anna Gallo cruising to second place in teh 35 mile Women's Open race.

The Tour of the White Mountains isn't just for pros, with a variety of race distances offered it's about inclusion and supports adaptive racing too.

Nic Beechan is stoked about the big win.

Dusty Tuffet played the best folk and bluegrass for racers to unwind to.

And Pinetop Brewing provided plenty of welcomed post-race hydration.

Crown Royal samplers!

Beary nice awards

Junior Women's 50 mile podium.

Ellie Krafft showed her speed by being the fastest of all women in the 50-mile race.

Open Women's 50 mile podium.

Open Men's 50 mile podium.

Full results here.

Author Info:

epic-rides

Member since Dec 23, 2013
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