Promoters of the 12 hours of Snowmass mountain bike race have added a new category to their 2012 edition — slated for 21 July — that teams two junior riders with a professional racer. The Junior/Pro Trio class is meant to inspire the young racers.
Youth are a focus of the Snowmass endurance race, as it also benefits the local Aspen Youth Center, a non-profit organization that runs after school and summer programs that impact 1,200 kids in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Juniors wishing to take part in the Junior/Pro Trio category, must write a 200-word essay to race promoter Nat Ross, explaining why they want to team up with a pro, and how they will benefit from this experience. Ross hopes to draw both new junior racers and those already involved in high-school racing through (NICA) National Interscholastic Cycling Association. The young riders selected by Ross will be able to race for free while fundraising for their team’s entry.
Snowmass’ 12 hour mountain bike race offers a range of additional categories, including: solo, duo, trio, juniors, Clydesdale, open classes, as well as the aforementioned Junior/Pro Trio class.
Race promoters classify the 7-mile course as ‘intermediate with great climbs, descents and plenty of single track to keep everybody smiling.” Pros will race on the same course competing for a US$2,500 cash purse. The event also serves as the series finale for the USA Cycling Pro Ultra Endurance Tour.
The 12 hours of Snowmass runs from 7am to 7pm at Snowmass Ski area on 21 July, 2012, and because of its charitable goal, race promoters will offer free entry to any racer willing to raise US$100 or more for the Aspen Youth Center. For more information regarding the race, and gaining a free entry for fundraising visit the race site at www.12hoursofsnowmass.com
