Llordella and Williamson win Breck Epic stage 2

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Day two dawned warm and bluebird, promising racers a day of abundant sunshine and carefree riding. As the countdown began, the nerves were as palpable as on day one. Soon racers were off to tackle Heinous Hill for the first time (but not the last). As the clock ticked over to 9:30 am, an hour to the minute from the start, the first riders were seen riding towards the first aid station. Joan Llordella from the Buff Pro Team lead out Stan's NoTubes rider and former Breck Epic champion, Ben Sonntag. As Sonntag rounded the corner, he yelled out that Alex Grant had a rear flat. Grant soon came through and quickly changed out his rear wheel, but not before four or five other racers came through the aid.

In true spirit of the Epic, a racer was down a mile from the aid station and every single rider that came through relayed the message. No rider is ever alone out on the course and the care and camaraderie were evident in that moment.

Not long after the top men, the women came through with Kate Aardal and the leader, Moots rider Kelly Boniface at the front. It was a tight race though, as Catherine Williamson from Squirt Lube came through just 10 seconds later and Breckenridge local, Marlee Dixon (mtbracenews.com/Epic Brewing) was soon through.

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Riders then tackled the Colorado trail climb. A technical, punchy climb rewarded with fast, flowing descents speckled with technical sections. Riders couldn't help but smile the entire way down.

Twenty miles in, Alex Grant had pulled his way back up to the front of the race. On his wheel was Sonntag, but Llordella was only seconds away. Kyosuke Takei went down in a corner just minutes before aid two, dislocating his shoulder, so he was out for the stage. But, before the day was over, Llordella would find some steam and take the win with Grant and Sonntag taking second and third.

The women's race was close as well. Williamson pulled through with the win, Dixon came in a couple minutes later and Aardal was just seconds after.

In the singlespeed race, Vince Anderson gave Dax Massey a run for his money, finishing just 21 seconds behind Massey. Dan Durland finished third, seven minutes back.

Galo Tamayo Teran took the men's 30+ win again, while Jason Tullous also kept the top spot in the 40+ category.

Tomorrow's stage proves to be one of the toughest, as racers cross the Continental Divide twice. At times, the altitude and terrain will force racers off their bikes, but the satisfaction once at the top will erase the pain of getting there.

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