2016 Pisgah Stage Race: Day 0
Monday, April 11, 2016
The 2016 Oskar Blues Pisgah Stage Race is kicking off with it’s opening night at the beautiful Brevard Music Center. Approximately 80 riders, from 6 different countries, are gathering in the Land of Waterfalls for 5 days of some of the best riding in the world. With 140 miles over 5 days and over ¾ of those miles on technical singletrack, this week is truly one of the best ways to experience the best of Pisgah National Forest.
While most riders are looking for a challenge and a week of stellar riding, there are a few folks vying for the top spot on the podium that we’ll be keeping an eye on.
In the Open Men’s category, we have 2 former Collegiate National Champions that will be battling for the top podium spot. Tristan Cowie, a Brevard resident and graduate of Brevard College, grew up in North Georgia and started riding bikes when he was just 5 years old. After years of racing at the state and national level, Tristan went on to race for Brevard College and is now a Carmichael Training Systems coach.
Trying to stop Tristan is Boone resident, National Collegiate Champion & former Pisgah Stage Race winner, Kerry Werner. Kerry is a graduate of Lees-McRae College where he won several championships, as well as participated in World Cup events.
For the Open Women’s category, we have a story that we’ll be watching closely as well. Mountain bike legend, Sue Haywood, will be putting a wheel to the starting line and showing everyone what years of professional racing experience and and strategy can do in a 5 day stage race. As a former member of the Trek-Volkswagon MTB team, Sue Haywood is definitely a contender for the number 1 spot.
Looking to bump Sue from the top of the podium is Stan NoTubes Women’s Elite Team member, Emily Shields. Emily is comes to the Pisgah Stage Race with U25 wins at other stage races and national championships under her belt. We’ll see if Emily’s youth and energy will be able to take on Sue’s experience and knowledge.
