September 15, 2008 (Kamloops, BC) – Last weekend the Intermontane Challenge attracted people from all over North America to preview a part of one of the world’s most unique and lucrative mountain bike races. Some of the City’s dignitaries were also on hand to celebrate Kamloops introducing this world class event to the community.

The 450km race takes place in Kamloops July 27-31, 2009 and is the only race of its size in the world to feature a single-track, clover leaf design. The distinctive design allows racers to tackle a different part of the course each day while establishing a home base in Kamloops every night.

Byron McCorkell, director of parks and recreation for the City of Kamloops, says, “The Intermontane has all the makings of a unique sporting event. The race tests a rider’s strength, endurance and courage.”

Highlights of the preview included perfect trail conditions and riders having the opportunity to experience a section of the newly designed track as well as witness Kamloops’ beautiful vistas. To commemorate the great day, a group photo was taken of riders on the famous Deer Run Trail.

“The trails were very beautiful, ride-able and extremely challenging,” says Laurie Woodbury from Minnesota. Woodbury and her husband made the trek to Kamloops to register for the 2009 event. The pair decided to miss their 15th Ironman to check out the Intermontane Challenge.

With the preview behind them, the Intermontane Challenge team is focusing on the race itself. The cross-country stage race will span five days and feature a purse of $60,000 for both men and women, which is three times as much prize money as any race in North America. The Challenge will be open to 300 competitors from all over the world. It will have categories for men and women and will include solo and two-rider teams.

To date, the race is already five per cent pre-sold, and on line registration opens September 20th 2008.

“We want to thank everyone who came from far and wide to be a part of the preview! It really means a lot to us and it is great to see all the smiles and support that came with it,” says Kelly Servinski, director of marketing for the Challenge. “We are all looking forward to the big day, July 27th 2009, when the start gun goes off and the race for the largest cash purse in mountain bike history begins.”

For more information please visit www.intermontanechallenge.com.