Climbduro returns to the Rockies for 2019

Climbduro, with its unique uphill race format, is headed back to the Alberta Rockies for a second year.

This year, the event runs on July 13, starting from Calgary Cycle 22X in Bragg Creek, Alta. There’s a new course for the second year, keeping the format fresh. The Moose Mountain finish line has been temporarily closed by Alberta Parks, leading to a new route that still has plenty of climbing to test the legs on.

Like last year, there’s separate stages, each playing to a different rider strength, and style of bike. After a neurtral roll out from Calgary Cycle 22X, hit the first timed climbing segment. The Santa Cruz Reserve “Husky Long Shot” gains 495 m of elevation over 7.09 km of paved and gravel roads.

Next, Climbduro riders hit the Oakley “Family Guy – Moose Road” segment. This portion  mixes dirt and gravel as it ascends another 427 m. This 5.1 km segment will reward riders with burlier builds than the Husky Long Shot. Like 2018, part of the Climbduro challenge is picking the right equipment to survive the race.

The main prize is the Park Distillery Climbzilla, awarded to the fastest combined time to the top men and women in the race. Both winners will walk away with a cool $1,000 prize for their efforts. There’s also prizing for each individual stage. A pair of Santa Cruz Reserve carbon wheels go to the winner of the Husky Long Shot stage. A $1,000 Oakley prize pack awaits the Family Guy -Moose Road stage winner.

While riders have to be fast up the climbs, to win Climbzilla you have to make it back to the start intact and under the cut off time. The 50 km loop has 1,150 m of elevation gain. Rider and bike have to survive the same amount of mixed surface descending before they can claim their Park Distillery Climbzilla title. Again, bike choice is key. Your ride doesn’t just need to be fast up. It has to get you home, too.

For info and registration for the 2019 Grand Climbduro, head to climbduro.com

2019 Climbduro prizing

The Santa Cruz Reserve “Husky Long Shot”

7.09 km – 495 m – Average gradient 7%
Surface: Pavement and Gravel

1st – Santa Cruz Reserve Wheelset ($2099)
2nd – $350 prize pack
3rd – $150 prize pack

Oakley “Family Guy – Moose Road”

5.10 km – 427 m – Average gradient 8%
Surface: Dirt and Gravel

1st – $1000 Oakley prize pack
2nd – $500 Oakley prize pack
3rd – $250 Oakley prize pack

Park Distillery Climzbilla

$1,000 and the official Climbzilla Jersey