Sonia Mattison and Noah Guinee top the podium while second-year race receives positive feedback for challenging yet rewarding course.
Cable-Hayward, WI (October 11, 2021) – Nearly 100 riders arrived in Cable, WI on Saturday, October 9th for the 2021 Telemark Ascent mountain bike race. With temperatures well above average and fall colors in full swing, riders had a picturesque day on the course. The Mega Ascent (three laps) had 59 riders and the Single Ascent (one lap) had another 35 riders. Each 11-mile lap started with a leg-burning climb to the top of Mt. Telemark and touted more than 1,100 vertical feet of elevation per lap with exceptional views of the fall foliage at the summit.
The new course fr the Telemark Ascent incorporated CAMBA single-track (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) in addition to existing Birkie, Kortelopet, and historic World Cup trails. According to Sonia Mattson, overall female Mega Ascent winner, “this year’s course really blew me away, from the relentless climbs at the start to the rugged singletrack flowing through the autumn forest. I’m already looking forward to next year!”
Race feedback was resoundingly positive, “we are excited about the turnout,” said Birkie Chief Operating Officer, Joe Vadeboncoeur, “but, we are always looking for ways to improve the experience for participants and spectators.” As the development of the Mt. Telemark property continues in the coming years, it will create additional opportunities for the Birkie build on existing event experiences.
The Telemark Ascent is one of four bike races offered by the Birkie. On March 12th, the Birkie will host the 9th Fat Bike Birkie, a premier fat bike race. The remaining 2 races are coupled together at the new Epic Bike Fest, previously known as the Borah Epic, which has been in existence since 2013. The Epic Bike Fest will offer two days of early season racing with the Telemark Ascent rounding out the fall season. “The opportunity to carry on the tradition of the Borah Epic is something we’re looking forward to,” said Vadeboncoeur. The Epic Bike Fest will take place June 4-5, 2022.
Mega Ascent Champions – 33 miles – Women (Freewheel Bike – Presenting Sponsor)
1st Place – Sonia Mattson, 32, Burnsville, MN, 3:02:15
2nd Place – Jill Cederholm-Mairs, 51, Leadville, CO, 3:03:10
3rd Place – Maria Statz, 37, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 3:17:27
Mega Ascent Champions – 33 miles – Men (Freewheel Bike – Presenting Sponsor)
1st Place – Noah Guinee, 16, Bloomington, MN, 2:42:03
2nd Place – Nathan Brokering, 17, Minneapolis, MN, 2:42:03
3rd Place – Aaron Swanson, 48, Ashland, WI, 2:42:06
Single Ascent Champions – 11 miles – Women (Freewheel Bike – Presenting Sponsor)
1st Place – Caroline Haag, 15, Minneapolis, MN, 58:18
2nd Place – Ronnie LaJoie, 42, Iron River, WI, 58:25
3rd Place – Kari Gondeck, 40, Little Suamico, WI, 1:22:09
Single Ascent Champions – 11 miles – Men (Freewheel Bike – Presenting Sponsor)
1st Place – Casey LaJoie, 43, Iron River, WI ,54:07
2nd Place – Maxwell Fahrmann, 13, Champlin, MN, 54:38
3rd Place – Gavin Mayhew, 15, Minneapolis, MN, 56:21
Telemark Ascent is presented by Freewheel Bike; Earth Rider Brewery –official beer of the Birkie; GU – Official on-course energy; NUUN – Official hydration for all Birkie events; Backroads Coffee – Official coffee of the Birkie; and New Moon Ski & Bike of Hayward, WI.
About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events: Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner ski marathon held each February. What started as a single race has grown into a year-round calendar of skiing, running, and biking events. Today, the Birkie brand inspires a healthy, active lifestyle for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Visit www.Birkie.com to learn more.
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Posted October 12, 2021 at 9:54 am
