One year after finishing in second place, 21 year-old Caleb Classen (Team California) won the 51st edition of Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Colorado USA on Saturday morning. It is the up-and-coming rider’s third top result in the last month after winning best young rider jerseys at Walmart Joe Martin Stage Race and Tour of the Gila.

Classen rode across the Iron Horse finish line in the city of Silverton in 2:07:18 as hundreds of spectators cheered. He won the race not on the climbs, but with daredevil 100 km/h descending, dropping breakaway companion Howard Grott by almost two minutes coming off the final summit, 3243 meter Coal Bank Pass.

“On the descent I knew I could get Howard if I railed the corners and that’s what I did. I was by myself and just went for it,” Classen told the Durango Herald.

Grotts added confirmation, “I don’t have the descending confidence that he does. I need descending lessons; I get scared.”

Another youngster, 20 year-old Jack Odron soloed in for third place four minutes after Classen.

24 year-old Kira Prayer (Cardinal – Classic Cycling) won the women’s race in 2:30:28, followed by Saram Sturm (2:31:13) and Michaela Thompson (2:35:59).

Over 700 riders took part in the annual 75 kilometer race with 1800 meters of high altitude climbing and 700 meters of high speed descending from Durango to Silverton.

Photo Credit: Jerry McBride

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