The 46th edition of North America’s oldest gran fondo race, Assault on Mount Mitchell, took place on Monday 22 May, with age-defying USA bike racer Randy Warren winning the storied event.

Departing from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, the 102.7 mile race to the to 6684 foot summit of Mt. Mitchell in the Appalachian Mountains is a bucket-list ride for cyclists the world over.

Warren, a life-long bike racer, 1994 masters world champion and current cycling coach, only needed 5:40:00 to finish the race with 10,700 feet of climbing. Chris Olson was next at 5:47:55, and right behind was Alex Runge at 5:48:35. All three podium finishers are local riders from the Carolinas.

Afterwards, a very humble 61 year-old Warren told WLOS/ABC13, “When I was taking over first place, I thought ‘wow, it would be such a huge bonus to make it to the finish. Over 10,000 feet and 103 miles. You feel like all the training I’ve been doing is worthwhile.”

On the other hand, it was an all Florida podium in the women’s category. Jan Burger won the race to the top in 5:57:59, followed by Trish Cohen at 6:04:30 and Kim Clifford, who crossed the finish stripe at 6:05:08.

The 74-mile medio fondo event, excluding the final 28-mile ascent to Mt. Mitchell, was won by South Carolinians Julian Cabra (3:37:24) and Madelynn Mathis (3:54:57).

Over 600 riders participated in this year’s Assault on Mount Mitchell. The annual event typically takes place on the third Monday in May.

Complete Assault on Mount Mitchell results HERE.

Photo Credit: Strava/Randy Warren

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