Down and derby

September is not only prime riding season in Durango, but it’s also the time when most riders, after a summer in the saddle, reach tip-top condition. If you’re looking to gauge just how much (or little) time you spent on the singletrack, why not test yourself at the second annual Durango Derby mtb race on Sun., Sept. 1?

The 40-mile race features 5,500 feet of vert across four stages on Durango’s in-town singletrack and will include solo and team divisions. For all that hard work, there is a $10,000 pro cash purse, which will be split evenly between the men’s and women’s categories. First place will take home $3,000, second place $1,250 and third $750. And for those who don’t quite make the pro podium, not to worry – there’s runner-up swag from Maxxis, King Cage, Stan’s, Tailwind and more.

Not pro enough or as amateur as they come? Race organizers promise “fun-forward racing and good times for riders of all levels.”  Not only that, but you’ll get to rub elbows with some of Durango’s finest on two wheels, including Payson McElveen, Sarah Sturm, Ryan Standish, Evelyn Dong and more.

Described as an answer to the “cannibalism” of gravel racing, the Derby is the brainbaby of recently retired FLC cycling director Dave Hagen and local mtb racer Dylan Stucki, who brought the Single Speed CX World Championships to town in 2022.

New this year, the Derby has added the “Downcountry Dominator” challenge. This “race within a race” times riders on one mystery section in each stage. Winners receive bragging rights, cash and swag.

Still need to think on it? Registration is open all they way up to noon Sat., Aug. 31, for all you last-minuters out there (pretty much the entire town). To help sweeten the deal, 10% of proceeds from registration fees will go to local trails and cycling nonprofits like Durango Trails, Durango DEVO, FLC Cycling and Gallup-based Silver Stallion.

Maybe you’re a watcher? The Derby needs volunteers, too (lots).

 For more info. on any and all of the above, visit www.durangoderby.com