Gorge Roubaix 2014 Race Report
The Gorge Roubaix race near The Dalles, Oregon doubled up this year to become a two-day event for its second edition and, although the event is still young, it’s quickly becoming a classic and a racer’s favorite. Flat tires and mechanicals decimated the Hosmer Chiro-RPM Mortgage team in 2013, but year two ended up a whole lot better, with Stephen Bedford winning both days and the overall competition.
The elevation gains – 5,500 feet over 71 miles on day 1, and 6,200 feet over 61 miles on day 2 – stiff winds, and long dirt road sections were sure to make these races of attrition. As soon as the neutral roll-out ended Saturday morning, Craig Hamilton (Smith & Nephew), HCH-RPM teammate Cort Buchholz and another rider quickly headed up the road, and the early break got to work.
Other teams were forced to expend energy in pursuit, while the conditions ensured that the whittling process was underway – especially on the long tailwind climbs up the gravel. Just under an hour in, the pack had the breakaway in sight, and then Bedford bridged to the front runners only to keep going on his own.
With 50 miles left to race, the peloton seemed content to let Bedford burn himself out solo. Despite some later efforts at an organized chase, that was the last time anyone would spot Bedford’s jersey until after the finish line, with his gap topping three minutes.
Day 2 was fewer miles and was more vertical, featured a twisty, amazing descent down the iconic Rowena curves, and a flat, tailwind-pushed finish. All this, combined with the addition of fresh legs to the second day of racing, definitely spiced things up.
Attrition and whittling reduced the group to 11 riders after two of the race’s three laps. Bagg and Brad Winn worked tirelessly on Bedford’s behalf and Farr did everything he could to dislodge Bedford to prevent having to sprint against the powerhouse rider.
Seven riders remained to sort out the day, and Winn drove the pace down the Rowena curves and for the last several miles, leading it out all the way to the line. Bedford then steamed away from Farr, repeating Saturday’s finish order and determining the overall as well.
Race-winner Stephen Bedford was generous enough to share his ride data with us. Check it out.