By Dave Hagen
Durango Derby now fast approaching its 2nd annual event, taking place on Sunday September 1, 2024 and is stoked to announce a $10,000 total pro cash purse for the second year in a row. The prize money will be split evenly between the Pro Men and Pro Women’s solo categories. First place will take home $3,000, while second place leaves with $1250, and third rounds out the podium with $750. Podium contenders in all other solo categories will leave Durango with prize packages filled with goods from sponsors like Maxxis Tires, King Cage, Stan’s No Tubes, Tailwind Nutrition, Embark Maple, and many more.
This announcement comes as an answer to the recent gravel cannibalism of active mountain bike races across North America that deliver top level professional racing. Durango Derby is not just for the elite racers though, delivering fun-forward racing and good times for riders of all levels. The unique race format delivers a fun new challenge for the modern mountain biker, featuring four amazing stages, in one day, that showcase Durango’s premium in-town singletrack.
Professional and hardened racers will compete in the solo division and will take on all four stages and three untimed transfers totaling 40 miles with 5,500ft of climbing and descending. Pro racers will be competing not only to stake their claim in Durango MTB history but also for some cold hard cash thanks to the amazing event partners. With no shortage of local legends and young talent, Durango Derby has already attracted top pro riders like Payson McElveen, Sarah Sturm, Ellen Campbell, Howard Grotts, Ryan Standish, Evelyn Dong, and many more.
Durango Derby has added the all-new Downcountry Dominator challenge for 2024. This race within the race presents the opportunity for riders to test their downhill skills against their competitors separate from the 4-stage XC overall. There will be four total timed downhill segments, one on each of the four XC stages. Riders won’t know exactly where they are… so, go fast and take chances on the downhills for bragging rights, and some additional cash and prizes.
Although Durango Derby is aiming to bring some stellar elite MTB racing back to Southwest Colorado, the event emphasizes the fun side. For those looking for a little more casual approach to competition, the race offers 2-person and 4-person team categories, where team members will relay through the four stages. Challenge another group of friends, or make it a competition between households, and catch up with your favorite PRO riders in between stages on the untimed transfers!
Registration Still Open
Whether you’re into a big day on the bike or looking for some “serious-ly” friendly competition amongst riding buddies and families, all categories are still open for registration and will remain open until the day before the race.
10% to Regional Non-profits
It’s always nice to know that some of your money is going towards supporting a good cause. Since the inception of Durango Derby, supporting the regional cycling community has been a top priority for the race organizers. This year, Durango Derby plans to continue supporting Durango Trails, Durango DEVO, FLC Cycling, and Silver Stallion with 10% of its total registration dollars split amongst these great organizations. Want to do more? Check out the event website to learn more about these organizations and how to get involved.
Call for Volunteers
Not into racing, but still want to be a part of Durango Derby? We want you to volunteer for our inaugural event. Due to the complex nature of this event, Durango Derby will require lots of volunteers to get the job done. So, if you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please sign up for a slot at the link below.
Click to Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D45AFAD23A2F94-50368524-durango#/
Visit durangoderby.com for more information, sign up for the email list, and follow along for race updates and more.
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