"We're very excited to have our old bike course back after a year off due to construction," remarks AA President Carol Atherton. Road construction forced the Beaverton-based company to create an "alternate route" for the 2007 event, which yielded some faster bike course times for some, especially in the half-iron distance triathlon, but also cut out much of the scenery on the course that the event is known for.
One major change that athletes will appreciate is the resurfacing of the longest downhill stretch of the half iron bike course. Highway 45, otherwise known as the "Sunriver cutoff", cuts down through the Deschutes National Forest, connecting the Cascade Lakes Highway to Highway 40, which feeds into the resort community of Sunriver where the event is staged. In addition to resurfacing, the highway (45) underwent a complete makeover including the straightening of several major corners on the road.
About the Event:
Nestled in the Central Cascades at an elevation of 4200 ft, Sunriver is known for being a scenic resort town. In fact, the race began as a way to draw in visitors over the last weekend in June which was historically slow for the tourism business. If you consider the original goal of attracting visitors to the area, the race is a huge success; thousands of people stay in Sunriver and the neighboring city of
For more information, visit www.RaceCenter.com/pacificcrest
