Swindlehurst's 'Crusher' Back For Second Helping

Crusher In The Tushar Back For It's Second Year

One of the year's most unique on- and off-road cycling events – the "Crusher in the Tushar" – will return in 2012 with the Beaver County Travel Council as a new title sponsor.

Recently-retired road and mountain bike professional and race promoter Burke Swindlehurst also announced the point-to-point race from Beaver, Utah, across one of Utah's highest roads to the ski resort at Eagle Point, will keep its mid-July date. The 69-mile race is scheduled for Saturday, July 14.

Last year's inaugural edition attracted nearly 200 road, mountain and cyclocross riders of all abilities from 17 states and Canada. An impressive line-up of professional riders included Olympian Clara Hughes – who won the pro/open women's division – along with pro mountain bike legend David "Tinker" Juarez, three-time U.S. national cyclocross champion Tim Johnson, and pro roadies Jeff Louder, Paul Mach and men's division winner Tyler Wren.

"It was hugely satisfying to see the race come off the way it did and particularly how much the local community embraced the event," Swindlehurst said. "The Beaver County Travel Council came to me afterwards and said they wanted to play an even larger role for 2012. As a result, the event now has a title sponsor and I couldn't be more thrilled."

As a special thank you to first-year participants, Swindlehurst said riders who registered for the 2011 edition will be given an special early registration opportunity the day before it opens to the general public on Wednesday, Jan. 11th at 7 p.m. MST.

"In anticipation of a quick sell-out of the limited number of spots (350) available for the 2012 Crusher, I want to show my gratitude to those who supported the event in its first year by giving them a jump on registration," Swindlehurst said. "I like to take care of those who take care of me."

Registered "Crusher" riders from 2011 will receive an email explaining how they can take advantage of the early registration opportunity, Swindlehurst said.

Event details, including the available categories, how to register, a detailed course description, and tips on choosing the right bike for the race, can be found at the race's official website, www.tusharcrusher.com.