Kenda Big Sky Cross-Country Draws Top Riders
Cycle News Staff | August 21, 2012
AUG 20, 2012 – The KENDA Big Sky XC presented by KLIM has grown in popularity every year since the inaugural race in 2009. The event is hosted by Big Sky Resort, one of the country’s premier ski resorts. The resort is located 1 hour north of Yellowstone National Park in the scenic Northern Rockies.
The entrance of this year’s title sponsor, Kenda Tires, has prompted an aggressive increase in the pro purse to $10,000. The additional purse money has resulted in a very intriguing pro class line up. GNCC heavyweights such as Am/Pro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley and Jordan Ashburn will compete against Hare & Hound legend Destry Abbott, Baja 1000 pilots Colton Udall and David Kamo, and Endurocross big names Cody Webb, Kyle Redmond, Bobby Prochnau, Kevin Rookstool and Cory Graffunder. Over 25 major off-road racing professionals have confirmed attendance.
This year’s rider exempt program has also increased the talent at the amateur level. Diversity headlines nearly every class. 2011 OMA series Vet B champ Ryan Brehob of Tennesse will go head to head with AMA West Hare Scrambles points leader Robert Tevis. The 40+ A class will showcase ’12 AMA National Hare & Hound points leader Mark Weirich and current AMA West Hare Scrambles points leader Mike Sage. The 250 A class will feature the Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit points leader Steven Gerber, AMA West Hare Scrambles points leader Tucker Larrieu, and 2011 WORCS class runner up Ty Tremaine. X Games Enduro X Women’s silver medalist Chantelle Bykerk and West Hare Scrambles ’11 series winner Brook Hodges will battle in the Women A/B class. Over half of the country’s states will be represented at this year’s race. For those not exempt based on race results, just over 50 spots are still available in the racer cap.
Youth racers are not subject to the rider cap. FMF Racing will award an exhaust system to the winner of each youth class. The young speedsters will also have the opportunity to meet the professional racers at the Saturday evening awards ceremony and autograph session at 7pm in the Huntley Hotel’s dining room.
Youth and novice racing is Saturday, August 25th. Intermediate and Pro/expert racers will be held on Sunday the 26th. More professional and amateur racer profiles can be found on the event’s facebook page, www.facebook.com/bigskyxc. Details about the racer cap and guidelines on cap exemption qualification can be found at www.bigskyxc.com. Live race updates will be posted on facebook and www.twitter.com/bigskyxc. Discounted lodging is available at the resort by simply mentioning the race at time of reservation, more info at www.bigskyresort.com.
