Schnell and Irmiger win in Durango

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Singlespeed affecionados from around the globe flocked to Durango, Colorado, for a few days of riding and racing in celebration of the Single Speed World Championships this weekend.

Die-hard, costume-clad everyday riders and well-known current and former pros lined up side-by-side to take on a challenging course in this non-UCI sanctioned World Championship event.  All that was required was a singlespeed mountain bike and a good attitude.  As usual, the winners would take home not only bragging rights, but some fresh ink in the form of the mandatory winner's tattoo.

In the men's race, pro cross country racer Rad Ross Schnell defeated Durango local Matt Shriver and last year's champion Carl Decker.  Long-time racer and Durango resident Ned Overend took fourth ahead of US national cross country and marathon champion Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski in fifth.

Horgan-Kobelski's wife was the best-placed finisher of the family, though, as she won the women's race ahead of retired mountain bike pro Shonny Vanlandingham and Giant's Kelli Emmett.  Australia's Dellys Star was fourth and Coloradoan Jen Gersbach completed the top five.

Beer and whiskey stops en route were reported to alleviate some of the racers' pain after they walked challenging hike-a-bikes and treacherous ridges.

The privilege of hosting next year's championships was won by New Zealand.  Look out for the race to be held in Rotorua on the North Island on a date TBD.

Results