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The Breck Epic is an annual, 6-day mountain bike stage race held in Breckenridge, Colorado. The race is open to both pros and amateurs alike. Each day/stage is a separate timed course consisting of grueling miles of backcountry single-track and jeep roads at an altitude above 9,000 feet. Riders grind up mountain passes reaching elevations as high as 12,000 feet; and then are rewarded with screaming descents.

The winner is the individual or team (in the duo categories) with the lowest cumulative time for the entire 6 days. All 6-day finishers receive the coveted Break Epic belt buckle which reads "Bad Motherf@#$%^" on the back.

Origin
The race originated in Breckenridge, Colorado in 2009. It was created to give people a chance to race the beautiful trail system in the backcountry of Breckenridge. It has since grown into one of the most respected mountain bike races in the world.

Categories
Categories are divided into individual/team, age, gender, and skill level. There is also a 3-day "Epicurious" option for riders who cannot complete all 6 days.

Stages and Courses
2017 STAGE ORDER (distance/elevation gain)

Stage 1 – Pennsylvania Creek  – 35 miles, 4967′

Stage 2 – Colorado Trail – 47 miles, 5689′

Stage 3 – Guyot – 40 miles, 6001′

Stage 4 – Aqueduct – 41 miles, 5915′

Stage 5 – Wheeler – 24 miles, 5240′

Stage 6 – Gold Dust 30 miles, 3409′

* Race stages can change each year.*

A Typical Stage
Each day begins in town. The start is staggered beginning with the Pros and Category 1 riders. Category 2 riders start a few minutes later.

There is a neutral rollout (except Stages 5 and 6) allowing riders to safely depart town and get into an acceptable position based on skill. Once the group reaches the trail system, riders turn on the gas and the race is on!

The early miles of each stage are very difficult as riders climb deep into the Breckenridge backcountry, fight for position, and gasp for what little air is available at high altitude. Relief usually comes after the first 30+ minutes when the course finally goes downhill. The downhill sections though come at great risk requiring deft bike handling skills at high speeds.

Riders continue to climb and descend the trail system for 3-5 hours depending on skill, fitness and the particular stage. The finish line is usually just outside of town (except for Stages 1 and 6 which end in town). At the end of the stage, the physical hardship is over…but now the focus immediately turns to recovery and preparation as riders must be ready to tackle another grueling challenge the next day. The Breck Epic is a true test grit.



Results
Stage results are announced daily with race leader jerseys (colors change each year - 2017 lime green) presented to individuals or teams with the best overall cumulative time in their respective categories. The overall leaders at the end of Stage 6 are presented with the "World MF Champs" jersey. These are the results from the 2017 Race, Stage 6.