Werner and Aardal win stage 2 at Moab Rocks

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Stage 2 took riders up high into the Manti LaSal National Forest to an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, almost 4,000 feet higher than the start in downtown Moab. The long road climb from town, the longest climb in this year's Moab Rocks, was punishing for most riders but an early 8:00 am start meant pleasantly cool temperatures under brilliant sunny skies. The length and intensity of the climb pushed some riders onto lower travel machines, making the descents all the more challenging. Of course, the suffering on the climb was well rewarded with one of the most popular downhill rides in the area serving as today's timed descent.

At the front of the field a U23 rider was again at the front of the pack, but this time it was Kerry Werner Jr. (BMC Development) taking the win over stage 1 winner Russell Finsterwald (Trek Factory) with a time of 2:16:28. The two finished together and took the fastest times for the descent as well as the stage with Werner taking the fastest time of the day at 47:11. Breckenridge's Josh Tostado (Santa Cruz) took third place. Finsterwald hangs onto the leaders plate for elite men.

In the elite women's category, it was again Kate Aardal (Ridley's) winning with a time of 2:42:18 and Heidi Rentz (Ibis - Poison Spider) in second. Moab local Rentz took the fastest downhill time for the category. Fort Lauderdale's Jennifer Moos (Rose Bandits) moved onto the podium in third.

The 40+ Women's category again saw Margie Smith (Wilson Mtn. Sports) take the win, followed by Jennifer Horn (Peachtree Bikes) and Trish Mayer. In the 40+ Men's Category Mark Sevenoff (Western Spirit) repeated his stage 1 win over Erik Keniston (Single Track Bikes). Mark Logan (Cadence Brand Marketing) moved into third place on the podium.

50+ Men also saw the same top two positions with Mark Wallace (Pedal Pushers Cyclery) taking the win followed by Alec Petro (Corner Cycle). A new third place finisher today was Tom Arnold (Fast Friday). Wallace also took the fastest descent time in the category.

Stage 3 preview

Monday's final stage will be a chance for the best bike handlers to shine as it features the least road and the most singletrack of the three-day stage race. Riders will celebrate Columbus Day (and Canadian Thanksgiving) with a ride on the "Magnificent 7" or Mag 7 area around the Gemini Bridges jeep road. The course starts with a climb and descent on the Gemini Bridges road before starting into singletrack climbing with Arth's Corner, Getaway and topping out with 7-Up at 5,800'. The descent stage starts with the Bull Run singletrack on and off slickrock sections. A short jump out onto the Gemini Bridges road will take riders back into singletrack for the Great Escape trail, with a total of 9 miles of descent. At that point, it's back onto the road for a quick climb up and then down to the finish of stage 3 and the wrap up dinner at Bar M Chuckwagon.

Full Results