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CV’s first mountain bike race an ‘absolutely fabulous event’

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A wave of riders await the start of the Carrabassett Valley Cross Country Challenge Mountain Bike Race on Sunday. It's the first time the race has been held here. (All photos by Stephan Mitman)

CARRABASSETT VALLEY – On Sunday, 106 riders from across new England and Quebec competed in the first 60-mile back country mountain bike race to be held here on trails in and around town. Another 65 riders, mostly beginner and intermediate-level riders, also participated in a shorter-course mountain bike race.

The inaugural Carrabassett Valley Cross Country Challenge Mountain Bike Race, as part of the four-race USCAN Series, was sponsored by the town of Carrabassett Valley and the CV chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA).

The USCAN Series is itself new this year and consists of four races: the NH 100, CV Cross Country Challenge, Ultimate XC, Mt. Valin (Quebec) in September. According to its website, the USCAN endurance series “was created to encourage cross border racing and to give the racers an opportunity to race against competitors that they would not normally race against.” The top three male and female winners of the series will share $2,000 in prize money.

The race began at 7 a.m. in waves with expert riders leaving first then other categories of less experienced riders following at 5 minute intervals. Beginner and intermediate-level riders participated in a shorter course mountain bike race that began at 9 a.m.

Founded one year ago, CV NEMBA sports over 100 members, said club president David Hughes. The mission of the club is “we build trails and we ride bikes,” he said, adding that proceeds from Sunday’s race will go toward trail clearing and maintenance.

CV NEMBA hosts trail building work sessions most weekends and have been averaging ten members each session.

“You can get a lot of work done with ten members each weekend; it’s been great,” Hughes said. They will use the race proceeds to build and improve the trail system in Carrabassett Valley. Hughes gave thanks to the town of Carrabassett Valley, all the race volunteers and the landowners who allowed the race to be run on their land.

“Absolutely fabulous event, great course, great weather,” said race participant Brian Taddeo of Portland and he added, “I’ll be back next year.”

There were three checkpoint/food and hydration stations on the 60-mile course which were managed by volunteers from CV NEMBA, Sugarloaf Ski Patrol, Franklin County’s wilderness Search & Rescue team, and other volunteers.

Checkpoint volunteer Bill Perkins of Madison said that race participants who stopped at the station “were positive, happy and very appreciative of the efforts of the race organizers.”

The start of the race in which 106 riders participated in the challenge. Another 65 riders, mostly beginner and intermediate-level riders, also participated in a shorter-course mountain bike race that started later.
A group of riders begin an ascent up the mountainous course.
Volunteer Al Sleight of Carrabassett Valley, at left, helps out a rider at a checkpoint/food and hydration station along the 60-mile course of the race held Sunday in Carrabassett Valley.
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