If it weren’t his home race, Todd Wells wouldn’t even be competing this weekend.
The three-time mountain bike Olympian bowed out of the 44th annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic men’s professional road race, but he’ll be in the saddle in Sunday’s Mountain Bike Specialists Cross-Country race, which returns to its downtown roots with the course going through Steamworks Brewing Co. after a one-year hiatus.
“If it weren’t the Iron Horse, I wouldn’t even be racing this weekend,” Wells said. “But since it is the Iron Horse here in town with our local fans and athletes, it’s awesome to be here and support the event.”
Wells has been a busy man this year. The 39-year-old rider for Specialized, Clif Bar and Oakley almost decided to skip the event entirely, as his younger brother Troy Wells did, but decided to give the mountain bike race a go.
“We don’t get to see Todd race much here in Durango, so it is special to have him in the field,” IHBC race director Gaige Sippy said. “He’s had a busy spring, and we’re just happy he’s here.”
Few professional men’s racers will go after the omnium championship this weekend by riding in Saturday’s road race, Sunday’s circuit race and Monday’s time trial. Because of that, a lot more attention will be placed on the professional mountain bike race Sunday, with a $2,500 purse to be split among the top-five placers.
However, several top local mountain bikers such as Howard Grotts and Sepp Kuss won’t be in attendance. Grotts is in Europe for World Cup events, and Kuss is recovering from injury.
Also missing is Durango High School star Chris Blevins, who also is in Europe preparing for three events.
Wells expects Durangoans Nick Gould and Ben Sonntag to give him a challenge.
Five-time road race champion Ned Overend, 59, said he may join the circuit race Sunday if he feels good after Saturday’s road race. The mountain bike legend won’t be in the mountain bike race to team up with his buddy Wells.
“I’ll be out on my own,” Wells said. “It’s a unique race and will be fun to be part of. I’m glad it’s going through Steamworks again, because it’s not often you get to race through a bar.
“There should be a lot of group racing on the shorter loop through town, so it should be awesome.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com