U.S. Handcycling - Record Field for 2007 Sadler's Ultra Challenge

Record Field for 2007 Sadler's Ultra Challenge

on 05-26-2007 18:40

This year’s Sadler’s Ultra Challenge (July 15-21) — the oldest, toughest, and longest wheelchair and handcycle race in the world — will see a record 30 entrants head to Alaska to battle for 267 miles on roads conecting Fairbanks to Anchorage. Not only is the total field size a record this year, there are many aspects of this year’s race that promise an unforgettable event:

- Number of Alaskan Entrants: 7 (the most ever)
- Number of Wheelchairs: 6 (the most since 1999)
- Number of first-time racers: 12
- Most competitive category: Handcycle B (9 entrants)
- Number of Hispanic Entrants: 7 (the most ever)

The addition of a new category: Handcycle C2 keeps the race current, following trends overseas to offer more categories and create fair, exciting competition. The wheelchair category — dwindling since 1999 — has seen a resurgence in recent years, culminating in a very competitive field for 2007 that includes a rematch from 2006 between Paul Nunnari of Australia and Edwin Figueroa of Long Beach, Ca.

Four-time winner, Alejandro Albor, will be racing in the HCC2 category and will look to be the fastest man on the road this year, following his World Handcycling Title last Fall….which would tie him with Monica Bascio (Handcycle Women) for a record 5 wins. Albor will be battling his Paralympic teammate, Oz Sanchez of San Diego and newcomer, Mike Sprouse of Georgia. Both Sprouse and Sanchez are former Marines, which should make the teamwork aspect of the event very interesting. With the Handcycle C division split, the HCC1 class looks very competitive…keep your eye on crafty veterans Scott Davidson and Joe Dowling, and watch for newcomer, Harold Warner of Tuscon, AZ in his first Sadler’s event.

The biggest and most competitive category this year is the Handcycle B race, with 9 entrants. The favorite is 2-time winner, Peer Bartels of Germany, but David Lee of Cardiff by the Sea, CA (2nd HCB in 2006) has a new bike and has been training hard to make the U.S. Paralympic Team….the race should be nothing short of nuclear.

The Alaskan field is awesome this year, and will showcase the return of Mark Hufford (Eagle River), as well as Edwin Jones of Anchorage. Jones will be competing for his first-time in a handcycle and is joined by Larry Coutermarsh of North Pole, who will be racing for his 23rd year. Tack on three spry newcomers and the “Speedy Sourdough” (fastest Alaskan) prize looks to be up for grabs.

The women’s race will also be interesting this year, with Monica Bascio off the radar, taking the season off. 4-time runner-up, Sherry Shulz of Littleton, CO will undoubtedly arrive well-prepared to square off with Katja Luke of Germany, who was 3rd last year in the fastest women’s event in history. Also on board this year is Maria Luisa Morales Avila of Mexico City, who is a relative unknown in her first race in Alaska.

For more details, visit: http://www.challengealaska.org

2007 Field, Sadler’s Ultra Challenge, Fairbanks to Anchorage, AK
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HCB Patrick Cottini Chico CA USA

HCB Mike O’Neill Anchorage AK USA

HCB Ken Bestine Clymer NY USA

HCB Rick Mason Davis CA USA

HCB David Lee Cardiff CA USA

HCB Michael Stevenson Nacogdoches TX USA

HCB Peer Bartels Leer GER

HCB Gustavo Rojas Sacramento CA USA

HCB Mark Hufford Eagle River AK USA

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HCC1 Rick Gilliland Kenai AK USA

HCC1 Scott Davidson Shelby Township MI USA