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Endurance riders head to Moab this weekend

Published: Oct. 10, 2008

Roughly 2000 mountain bikers will head into Southeastern Utah this weekend for the Suzuki 24-Hours of Moab, the largest 24-Hour race on North American soil. In its 13th year the race — organized by the West Virginia-based Granny Gear Productions — has come to own the title “Galactic Championships” of 24-Hour racing, a direct challenge to the 24 Hours of Adrenaline’s World Championships event.

In the past years, Utah’s sometimes harsh October weather has shortened the race. This year the National Weather Service is calling for highs in the 60’s, with nighttime temperatures hitting as low as freezing. Rain is a possibility on Saturday evening.

This season it’s the Moab race that arguably owns the deeper field in the solo divisions, as more than 70 men and women have registered to ride the race by themselves. Defending champion Chris Eatough (Trek-Volkswagen) is back, and will face his toughest competition from Coloradan Josh Tostado (Giant), Mark Hendershot (Santa Cruz Syndicate) and reigning world champ Tinker Juarez (Monavie-Cannondale.com). Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth) is the favorite in the women’s race.

As to which team will complete the most laps around Moab’s rocky, sandy course, the Monavie/Cannondale squad of Bart Gillespie, Bryan Alders, Alex Grant and Ben Sonntag is a safe bet.

The race offers up-to-date standings and detailed results at www.grannygear.com