Mt Graham Hill Climb 2008 – Records Crumble

This past weekend was the Mt Graham mass start hill climb in Safford, Arizona. The Mt Graham hill climb is one of the top 15 toughest climbs in the US according to the book A Guide To Cycling Climbing & The Most Difficult Climbs In The US. You climb 5,981 feet in 20 miles. Ouch!

We will get the results up shortly. The previous record set by Andrew Miller in 2003 with a time of 1:23:16 was broken. For past results visit: http://presteza.homestead.com/MtGrahamindex.html. We will post the 2008 results when they become available.

Below is the profile of the Ride. The ride starts at 3,377 feet and ends up at 9,055 feet over the course of 20 miles. The scenery and views are spectacular.

Make sure you bring a layer of clothing for the decent. It can get chilly. Also descend with caution. There are some really tight turns.

For a detailed map of the ride click below:

www.roadbikerides.com/ride/view/mt_graham_hill_climb/3941

Pictured below the start of the mass start hill climb.

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Contador: May quit Astana cycling team

By ERIC SYLVERS, Associated Press Writer
Fri Sep 26, 11:44 AM ET

SOMMA LOMBARDO, Italy – Alberto Contador said Friday he will quit the Astana cycling team if his leadership position is not secure following the arrival of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

Contador said the Astana cycling team director Johan Bruyneel made assurances that he’ll remain its leader.

“I spoke with Johan about the Tour next year and he said there is no problem and that I will be the leader, but Lance Armstrong is a champion and I think he will want to race to win,” Contador told The Associated Press in an interview. “I am sure that he also wants to be the leader of the team.”

Armstrong announced Wednesday he was joining Astana, reuniting him with his friend Bruyneel after three years in retirement. Bruyneel had coached Armstrong during his Tour victories.

Contador, winner of the 2007 Tour de France, said he has received offers to sign with other cycling teams.

“If I am not happy, I will change teams,” the Spaniard said. “The team has said it has complete confidence in me, but this is a particular situation and I will have to see what happens in the coming weeks to then decide what is best for my future. Four weeks from now, the situation could be completely different.”

Contador, who is under contract with Astana until 2010, said his main objective for next season is the Tour de France.

The Madrid-born rider won the Spanish Vuelta this month, completing the fastest sweep of the three major races. Contador has won the Vuelta, the Tour and the Giro d’Italia in 15 months.

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