Bishop narrowly defeats former teammate Schnell on stage 5

Only in the Breck Epic is a 40-mile stage with 7,300 feet of climbing coined a "rest day". Although the overall standings did not see much mix up, the day saw several battles with riders trying to gain ground on the fastest stage of the week.

Even Jeremiah Bishop (Cannondale) felt the heat as Josh Tostado (Bach Builders), Alex Grant (Cannondale), Ben Sonntag (Cannondale) and Ross Schnell (Crank Brothers/SRAM) got out in front of him. Schnell passed Bishop atop Wheeler, the highest pass riders have climbed all week at 12,600 feet.

"It was hard to breathe," said Bishop. After the tight, twisty descent off of Copper Mountain, riders found relief on the Peaks Trail where the Cannondale team and Tostado worked to reel in Schnell. Bishop finished first in 2:57:12, just eight seconds in front of Schnell.

Mike Melley described the hike-a-bike up to Wheeler as a "non-stop death march of racers with bikes on their shoulders". Melley finished third behind Montanna Miller (Speedgoat/Wilderness), who managed to keep a much tighter hold on Plews (Evanplews.com) by coming in just five minutes behind him. Speaking of singlespeeders, what about Kara Durland (ProCycling) maintaining a third place all week in the Solo 40+ women's race with only one gear!

The ride just keeps getting better with every stage. Mark Sevenoff (Western Spirit) said, "The descent off of Wheeler Pass goes down in the top 10, and I've been riding for 25 years! It had great flow, you couldn't ask for a better day." Sevenoff has stayed on top of the solo men's 40+ category all week and now has almost an hour on the rest of the GC.

Overstreet and Thompson of Wilderness Sports were treated to a knock down drag out with competitors Brezsnyak and Piker (Deadgoat Racing/Fitz). "They had three and half minutes on us on top of Wheeler, then David flew in out of nowhere." Overstreet and Thompson caught up with the duo and continued to "trade punches on the Peaks Trail - today felt like bike racing," said Overstreet.

The solo women's category didn't see much change despite Pua Sawicki (Okolestuff.com) suffering a broken chain just a few miles in to the race. Ivonne Kraft (Squirt/Bionicon) once again finished second, followed by Wendy Lyall of Team Yeti Beti. Sarah Uhl (Space Cowgirls) also finished strong and now maintains a solid fourth place in the GC.

Five days in, and the mood of the racers is unbelievably high. Even through the pain, the wheezing and the exhaustion, smiles are abundant every evening at the awards ceremony. Everyone is in good humor, especially race promoter Mike McCormick, who manages at least one hysteric outburst from the crowd at the racer meeting each night.

The success of the Breck Epic, he admits, would not be possible without the amazing support of his crew, Maverick Sports, the numerous sposors and a great group of racers.

Through it all, the biggest smile award goes to Kim Bear (Team Sante Fe Mama) who jumps out of her seat every evening and bounces to the podium to don her leader's jersey in the solo women's 50+ category.

It is also noteworthy to mention the sportsmanship shown by racers this week as they have shared tools, parts, and stop quickly in their tracks to aid a downed rider. A great event, with great people and great fun.

Stage 6 Preview

Stage 6, the last one is next. With a long climb up Boreas Pass, some sweet singletrack and a fast descent back to town, there is still a chance for riders to kick it in and see some change in the GC.

Full Results for stage 5

General classification after stage 5