FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Mark Moore
moorecommunications@earthlink.net
262-751-4746
Eatough, Sawicki repeat as USA Cycling 24-hour Mountain Bike National Champions
WAUSAU, Wis. – (August 3, 2008) – Chris Eatough (Trek/VW) withheld a strong challenge from Josh Tostado (back building) to repeat as Men’s Solo Champion at this year’s USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships. On the women’s side, Pua Sawicki led from wire to wire to repeat as champion.
“The last lap has never happened before,” Eatough said at the finish. “It’s the closest I’ve ever been on the last lap of a 24 hour race.” Tostado never gained more than a few minute advantage, and the last lap was a true race for the national championship.
“Neither of us had an edge throughout the race, and the attacks subsided through the night,” Eatough said.
Sawicki had a much easier time leading to her repeat national championship, leading from the start and never relinquishing her hold. “I felt good at the start, but as the night wore on I started to fatigue,” Sawicki said. “You have to stay focused at all times on this course.”
America’s Dairyland 24-Hours of 9 Mile played host to this year’s event, which saw a great turnout for the 10th year anniversary of the event.
“It was a thrilling competition from wire to wire,” says Kevin Eccles, event director for America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile. “A great course, great weather, tremendous volunteer support and support from the mountain bike community combined to make our 10th anniversary special.”
Rebecca Rusch (Ketchum if you Can/Specialized), part of the four-member women’s national championship team, also shared her experiences on a tight race. “We were in the lead the whole way, but our lead would go up and down throughout the night,” she said. A flat on the final lap nearly erased an 18-minute lead, but the team held on for the victory.
The is Rusch’s third time at America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile, going from solo rider to team. “I love riding this course at night, but the team aspect makes it very different. Although you don’t always like tight races, it does make the event exciting for us and the spectators.”
Jim Simons (Turner Bikes) competed in the solo national championship category. At 65, he made the trek to Wausau from Bozeman, Mont. “It was a tough course,” Simons said. “It was fun to compete against the best in this sport, and it gets your heart pumping.”
Simons has been racing for 5 years, and most recently survived a bout with lymphoma 3 years ago. “Events like this proves that you are alive,” he said.
The course and event venue drew rave reviews from racers, including the solo national champions. “It’s a great atmosphere,” Sawicki said. “You received encouragement at every checkpoint.”
Nat Ross (Subaru/Gary Fisher), who finished third in the solo category, said the history and culture of America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile make the event special. “The passion for this event is insane,” Ross said. “From the solo riders to the teams, it is what racing is all about.”
America’s Dairyland 24-Hours of 9 Mile is sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, with additional support from Gary Fisher bikes and Bontrager. Sponsors include SRAM, Niterider, Hayes Disc Brakes and Fairfield Inn and Suites.
“America’s Dairyland 24-Hours of 9 Mile proved to be an excellent venue for USA Cycling’s 24 Hour National Mountain Bike Championships,” said Kelli Lusk, mountain bike events and program director for USA Cycling. “The course has a great flow and is a perfect test for riders of all abilities.”
Lusk added that the atmosphere surrounding the event makes America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile special. “There’s a great energy to this event. Team support is tremendous, and it’s great to see families and kids participate.”
For additional information, including links to racer results, visit www.24-9.com.
About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information, visit www.usacycling.org or contact USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.
###
The following news was sent to you by moorecommunications@earthlink.net. Should you wish to unsubscribe from our database, please e-mail moorecommunications@earthlink.net <mailto:moorecommunications@earthlink.net?subject=Unsubscribe Ref:Eatough, Sawicki repeat a> .
7-30-08
24-9 Update
Are YOU ready?
Final preparations are under way for America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of Nine Mile, August 2-3, 2008.
We know this week will be filled with anticipation as riders from across the country will converge on Wausau for this year’s 10th anniversary of our “little” event. So make sure your batteries are fully charged for a great weekend of mountain biking!
WIN PRIZES JUST FOR WHAT YOU WEAR
In recognition of our 10th anniversary, there are a couple of opportunities for YOU to WIN prizes throughout the event.
I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU STILL HAVE THAT contest
Throughout America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile, we’ll be posting a unique item that has been a part of 24-9’s past. It could be a t-shirt, socks, jersey, hat, water bottle…anything with 24-9 printed on it. We will announce that “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU STILL HAVE THAT” and name the item at various times throughout the weekend. The first person to come to registration with that item will win a prize! We’ll keep the item on display until someone comes forward. So clean out the closets and bring those 24-9 items to America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile! But PLEASE, make sure you WASH the items first!
WEAR 24-9 AND WIN
Someone from the staff of America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile could tap you on the shoulder and hand you a SWEET prize! And all you have to do is be spotted wearing something with the 24-9 logo! It can be one of this year’s snazzy new shirts, a shirt from the first year, or even a hat. If it has the 24-9 logo, it could be a winner if you are spotted at the right time and place! So keep 24-9 on 24 hours!
Can I still register?
Absolutely! Still trying to talk your ex-brother-in-law to ride on your team? Registration is still open and it’s definitely not too late to take part in the fun! Go to www.24-9.com for more info
Can I share a ride?
Wausau is conveniently located in central Wisconsin, but with today’s gas prices it’s still a good investment driving to 9-Mile. We’re all for saving money wherever you can, and what better way then by sharing the ride? Our message board is available to post rides needed, or open seats available. Check the link at www.24-9.com. Of course, you could ride to Wausau. Think of it as the ultimate warm-up and cool-down.
Check the message board
We’ve had some interesting comments at the last minute, including folks wanting to hire support people. If you run into a pinch and need something at the last minute, be sure to check the message board at www.24-9.com.
Questions?
We’re here. Just check the FAQ at www.24-9.com. If you need anything else, send us an email!
Have a great trip to Wausau and America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9-Mile!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Mark Moore
moorecommunications@earthlink.net
262-751-4746
Registration Opens for America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of Nine Mile
National Championship event welcomes Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board as Title Sponsor
MILWAUKEE (April 7, 2008) –Wisconsin will host some of the world’s best ultra-endurance mountain bike athletes at the America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of Nine Mile, August 2-3, 2008. Thanks to the support of The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, this year’s title sponsor, sign-up is now open for the USA Cycling National Championship event and all information is available on the web at www.24-9.com.
The famed mountain bike trails of the Nine Mile County Forest in Wausau, Wis., will once again serve as a backdrop to the largest 24-hour mountain bike race in the Midwest and host of the 2008 USA Cycling 24 Hour MTB Nationals. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of 24-9, and the third year in a row 24-9 has hosted the national championships.
In addition to the six national championship categories, twenty non-national championship categories will be contested by the more than 1,000 mountain bike participants expected. These include team and solo events in the 12-hour and 24-hour categories.
“Dairy products are essential to top athletic performance, and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is happy to participate in the 24-9 championships," says Dave Bavlnka, Vice President of Advertising for the WMMB. "Not only does a dairy-rich diet build strong bones, but chocolate milk is proving to be the 'ultimate sports drink,' thanks to its excellent ratio of protein, carbohydrates, calcium and water—just the right combination for replenishing the body after a tough bicycling competition."
“WMMB’s sponsorship is a natural fit for one of the nation’s premier mountain biking events,” says Kevin Eccles, event director for America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of Nine Mile. “Competitors in this year’s event will include athletes from across the region and throughout the country. We can think of no better way to showcase Wisconsin dairy products to athletes.”
Sign-up is now open. All information is available on the web at www.24-9.com, including registration, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.
About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information, visit www.usacycling.org or contact USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.
###
____________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Mark Moore
moorecommunications@earthlink.net
262-751-4746
Eatough, Sawicki capture solo Mountain Bike National Championships
WAUSAU, Wis. (July 29, 2007) – Chris Eatough (Trek/Volkswagon) and Pua Sawicki (Team MATA) were crowned USA Cycling’s solo 24-hour mountain bike champions today in Wausau, Wis.
Eatough held off 33 challengers to repeat as National Champion, and battled Nat Ross (Subaru/Gary Fisher) closely for the first half of the event before pulling away. “I had a good competitor today in Nat Ross. He pushed the pace and brought the race to me,” Eatough said, who held a lead of less than a minute for more than 10 hours, before finally stretching the margin during the evening hours.
“The race was really never certain until the end,” Eatough said. “With the race close, one mechanical breakdown can cost you the lead. I try to ride smooth and safe, and pick good equipment.”
Pua Sawicki (Team MATA) quickly built a three minute lead in the first lap over second-place finisher Rebecca Rusch (Specialized/Red Bull), a lead Sawicki never relinquished.
Sawicki was forced out of last year’s 24 Hours of Nine Mile National Championships, succumbing to injuries sustained in an earlier mountain bike accident. “Pua knows this can be a brutal course, but she’s very motivated,” said Ron Sawicki, manager for Team MATA.
Next stop for Sawicki and Team MATA is the World Championships in September.
Started in 1999, the 24 Hours of Nine Mile has quickly grown into the largest 24-hour mountain bike race in the Midwest and one of the top mountain biking events in the country. This is the second year that 24-9 has played host to the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships. In addition to six national championship categories, thirty non-national championship categories were contested by more than 750 mountain bike participants. Competition included team and solo events in the 12-hour and 24-hour categories.
The 24 Hours of Nine Mile is sponsored by Gary Fisher, SRAM and Sigma, with additional sponsorship from Bontrager, Rudy Rack, Hidden Bay Sports, Hayes Bicycle Group and USA Cycling. The event is organized by TS Events.
For complete event results, see www.itiming.com.
###
NOTE TO PRINT MEDIA: Photography from the 2007 event will be available at www.FotoJack.com. If you have immediate needs, please contact Mark Moore at moorecommunications@earthlink.net.
The following news was sent to you by moorecommunications@tcdweb.com. Should you wish to unsubscribe from our database, please e-mail moorecommunications@tcdweb.com <mailto:moorecommunications@tcdweb.com?subject=Unsubscribe Ref:Eatough, Sawicki capture > .
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Mark Moore
moorecommunications@earthlink.net
262-751-4746
Navy Commander makes time for 24 Hours of Nine Mile
WAUSAU, Wis. (July 29, 2007) – A Commander in the United States Navy may be one of the last people you’d think would participate in the 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships. But for Commander Don Gabrielson, competition is second nature.
Gabrielson first started racing road bikes in 1987, and since then has competed in all kinds of endurance events -- Ironman triathlons, mountain bike races, ultra marathons and adventure races -- across the country and around the world. “Competing in these events motivates me to stay fit,” Gabrielson says. “I love competing and the challenge that each event brings.”
Gabrielson has served 22 years in the Navy, and admits his training program can be challenging at times. Stair climbers and stationary bikes are often a major part of his program. But he makes time, knowing that if his schedule allows, he’s make time to compete in the next event.
He’s currently stationed in Marinette, Mich., as construction of the USS Freedom is being completed. “This event fit well into my schedule, so I put the 24 Hours of Nine Mile on my schedule.”
His goal: “Finish the event and represent the Navy well,” Gabrielson says. “And have fun in the process.”
Started in 1999, the 24 Hours of Nine Mile has quickly grown into the largest 24-hour mountain bike race in the Midwest and one of the top mountain biking events in the country. This is the second year that 24-9 has played host to the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships. In addition to six national championship categories, thirty non-national championship categories were contested by more than 750 mountain bike participants. Competition included team and solo events in the 12-hour and 24-hour categories.
The 24 Hours of Nine Mile is sponsored by Gary Fisher, SRAM and Sigma, with additional sponsorship from Bontrager, Rudy Rack, Hidden Bay Sports, Hayes Bicycle Group and USA Cycling. The event is organized by TS Events.
For full results, visit www.itiming.com.
###
NOTE TO PRINT MEDIA: Photography from the 2007 event will be available at www.FotoJack.com. If you have immediate needs, please contact Mark Moore at moorecommunications@earthlink.net.
July 5, 2007
Light Rentals available!
Sigma is returning to 24-9 this year with 40 Evo X light sets to demo.
RULES:
-Pre-register for a light set by emailing keller@sigmasport.us or jenni.nichol@sigmasport.us.
-One light system per rider.
-Must present a valid credit card and drivers license at pick-up. Riders under 18 yrs of age must have an adult present at pick up with valid ID.
-Pick up time is between 2pm and 5pm, systems not picked up by 5pm will be demoed on a first come first serve basis.
-Your battery is your battery, it will be assigned to you. You will NOT be able to drop your battery off and pick up another. You must wait until your battery is charged. We have a new fast charging system that will give a full charge in about 2:30 hrs.
-Systems must be returned by 9am
Sigma will also have light systems available for sale, to view the full light offering go to www.sigmasport.com.
For more information email keller@sigmasport.us
Other Light Rentals:
Princton tec will also be onsite renting lights:
Fill out the attached form and return to: 609-298-9601
NiteRider... as always..
Will be onsite to service NiteRider Systems...
January 8, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Mark Moore
moorecommunications@earthlink.net
262-751-4746
Wisconsin to host 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships
MILWAUKEE (January 8, 2007) - Wausau's Nine Mile County Forest will once again play host to some of the world's best ultra-endurance mountain bike athletes at this year's USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships, July 28-29, 2007.
“In its short 8-year history, the 24 Hours of Nine Mile has grown into the largest 24-hour mountain bike race in the Midwest,” says Kevin Eccles, event director. “It is our privilege to once again host the national championships, along with the host of other riders who help make this event so successful.”
In addition to the six national championship categories, more than 900 mountain bikers are expected to compete in 20 non-national championship categories in both team and solo events in the 12-hour and 24-hour categories. Support staff and spectators are expected to bring more than 2,000 people to the event.
Sign-up will begin in early March, and all information will be available on the web at www.24-9.com, including registration, volunteer and promotional partnership opportunities.
###
Eatough, Rusch, Win 24 Hour Nationals in Storm-Soaked race.
Wausau, WI--July 31, 2006 – Chris Eatough (Trek/VW) of Ellicott City, MD and Rebecca Rusch (Red Bull-Specialized) of Ketchum, ID, won the Men’s and Women’s Solo division of the stormy US 24 Hour Mountain Bike National Championship in Wausau, WI on Sunday.
The saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Wisconsin, wait five minutes.” Such was the case in Wausau, WI this weekend as racers witnessed record heat of 94° followed by heavy winds, storms and 30 degree temperature drop.
At 1 a.m. the morning of the race, a strong storm front moved into the area, bringing heavy rain and 35 m.p.h. winds and a dip in temperature to 64°. The sky cleared, and the course as volunteers removed fallen trees in time for the 806 riders to take to the 10 a.m. start of the 8th annual 24 Hours of 9 Mile presented by Gary Fisher, the 2006 US National 24 Mountain Bike Championship.
As the race proceeded, the mercury seemed to rise as fast as the competitors rode the 13.5 mile course. All predictions of coming storms dissipated for the day, leaving a dry course by most riders’ third lap. Dwight Hargett (VCSMTB) of Mooresville, NC posted the fastest lap time of 55:50 came, while Lisa Matlock (Tough Girl-Gary Fisher) blazed through at 1:06:31 for the fastest Women’s lap time.
In the Men’s Solo event Eatough and Nat Ross (Subaru/Gary Fisher) rode in tandem for the first three laps of the event until Eatough pulled away from the field of 26 in the Championship event. Defending women’s Champion Monique Sawicki (Team Mata) took early control of the Solo Women’s division while Sue Juedes (Madison, WI), Rusch and Danielle Musto (Slingshot—Grand Rapids, MI) battled behind. Sawicki eventually pulled out of the event after completing nine laps.
In the team competition, Gary Fisher/Trek rode neck-and-neck with VisitPA.com throughout the day. By the 19th lap, the Wisconsin team held a slim lead of 10 minutes. Team Tough Girl, took a commanding lead from lap one in the Women’s competition. The Master’s Championship showcased tight competition with the top three team each posting lap times under 59 minutes.
As the competition thundered along for 19 hours, the skies decided to join the party, unleashing a fierce wind, lightning and a driving rain. At 5:30 a.m. after reviewing the radar and storm warnings in Marathon and surrounding counties, the promoters and officials neutralized the race, stopping all riders at the three safety check points on the course and at the finish line.
The storm calmed and the race was restarted after 1 hour 15 minutes. About and hour and a half later, the skies opened again bringing down branches again with heavy wind and rain. As a wall cloud moved into the area, capable of beyond followed by tornados, promoters and officials, decided to cancel the event and to get all riders off the course as quickly as possible.
“The first concern for all events is rider safety,” said race promoter Kevin Eccles. “Based on the conditions at that time and on the radar images of coming storms, stopping the race was the only way we could ensure the safety of the riders.”
The decision was made to make results official as of the last lap completed as of the original race neutralization at 5:30 a.m.
With the shortened event, top finishers were Eatough, and Rusch in the men’s and women’s solo event, While Gary Fisher/Trek and Tough Girls won the Elite Team competition. The Master’s championship went to the 4 TSPs. Da Shaaarks! won the Junior Championship. Full results are attached.
###
24 Hour MTB Nationals move to Wisconsin
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Nov. 21, 2005) – After three years in Spokane, Wash., the 2006 USA Cycling 24 Hour National Mountain Bike Championships will move to Nine Mile County Forest, located five miles west of Wausau, Wis.
Slated for July 29-30, the “24-9” or “24 Hours of 9 Mile” presents a mix of single- and double-track events. Nine Mile County Forest has hosted the race for seven years, though 2006 will be the first year the 24 Hours of 9 Mile has held the national championship distinction.
“The 24-9 is the largest 24-Hour race in the Midwest,” “said Kevin Eccles, event director. “We’re excited to be hosting the national championships in Wisconsin and expect it to be a great event.”
Riders will compete for championship jerseys in the junior four-person 18 and under, master four-person 30+, men’s solo open, women’s solo open, male open four-person and female open four-person categories. In addition to these categories, riders will also have the opportunity to compete in additional non-championship categories – Look for these categories and additional information to be listed on their website at www.24-9.com.
The complete calendar of USA Cycling national championships can be found at http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=1977.
.
About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 54,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information visit www.usacycling.org or contact, USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.
