Gallery: Mongolia Bike Challenge–Stage 4

Stage Four of the Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea began from the camp at 2000 meters in the Khan Khentii Mountains and ended in the Berkh Mountains along the Kherlen River. The track conditions were dry and fast and a tail wind followed the racers most of the day – welcome conditions from the wet, muddy conditions of the third stage. The race organizers chose to abbreviate the stage from the original 175 kilometres to 95 kilometres due to the logistical challenges the athletes were required to endure during the transfer in the afternoon of Stage Three which was cancelled after the 40 kilometre mark due to high river levels.

The Men’s race continued to involve a number of strong athletes. The lead pack consisting of Cory Wallace (Kona), Thomas Turner (Jamis), Jason Sager (Jamis), Mark Frendo (Oyu Tolgoi), Antonio Ortiz (Selle SMP) and the Mongolian rider, Altanzol Altansukh (Genco Tour Bureau). The top three places came down to a sprint with Sager taking the stage followed closely by Frendo and Turner.

In the women’s race Catherine Williamsonís (Bizhub-Energas) road racing pedigree proved valuable as she was able to stay in the peloton with the higher end of the menís field and add to her lead over Sonya Looney (Topeak-Ergon), Erin Greene (Endura NZ) and Jessica Douglas (Liv-Giant).