(Prescott, AZ) – Record attendance in the Whiskey Off-Road Pro field marks a punctuated homecoming for mountain biking in America. 51 women and 86 men will vie for a $40,000 Pro Cash Purse in Prescott, AZ on Sunday, April 28th.

Returning champion, Geoff Kabush riding for Scott Sports/3Rox, is confirmed to return with his 3Rox teammates Derek Zandstra and Cameron Jette. Flanked with strength and strategy, and showing early season fitness, Kabush is a strong candidate for the $6,500 first place payday among the men’s field.

Unfortunately, Pua Mata riding for Team Sho-Air/Cannondale will not be defending her 2011 and 2012 victories due to an injury at an event last month. However, Team Luna Chix’s has fielded the strongest presence yet with Georgia Gould (2012 – Olympic bronze, 2nd place Whiskey), Katerina Nash, Teal Stetson-Lee (5th Place, 2012), Suzanne Snyder and Shonny Vandlandingham all confirmed to toe the line.

“The quality of racers the Whiskey Off-Road is drawing to Prescott, AZ is unparalleled in American mountain biking during recent years. We’re very excited to host such an awesome dedicated group of racers”, said Todd Sadow, President of Epic Rides. “Plus, the opportunity to carry this momentum into the Inaugural Grand Junction Off-Road with $20,000 pro purse labor day weekend shows great promise for the North American Pro mountain biker in pursuit of venues able to service both exposure for their sponsors and financial requirements useful in making ‘Professional Mountain Biker’ a legitimate career path.”

Much like the 2012 Whiskey experienced in the men’s category, the Whiskey Off-Road is drawing athletes from multiple disciplines, showcasing mountain biking’s ability to garner interests from other cross over sports top talent.  Lesley Paterson, on Scott Sports racing team, and the 2012 X-Terra World Champion is confirmed to chase after the equal payout $6,500 first place women’s 1st place award.

The full rosters can be viewed online:

Women’s Roster here.
Men’s Roster here.

In its 10th year, the Whiskey Off-Road continues to grow at an exponential rate. With thanks to event sponsor Sho-Air International, the cash purse received a welcomed bump from $35,000 to $40,000, ultimately allowing the purse to double since its introduction at the Whiskey three years ago. Matching the purse, event attendance has doubled from 1,000 to 2,000 riders since 2010. And, for the entire community of Prescott, AZ and general event attendees to enjoy, the Hi-Health sponsored Bike & Wellness Expo has swelled to over 65 vendors.

More on the Whiskey Off-Road
The 2013 Whiskey Off-Road will take place Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28, featuring three days of nonstop entertainment from live music on the courthouse lawn to family friendly events and activities happening right on Whiskey Row. Mountain bikes will be the vehicle of choice all weekend, with a Pro-level fat tire Criterium and a beginner level “15 proof” fun ride (one proof = one mile) on Friday evening along with a industry vendor and tech expo. Saturday is packed with action from sunup to sundown and beyond, featuring the 25 and 50 proof distances amidst a crowd of more than 10,000 cheering spectators. Sunday the Pro male and female main events roll out of town with a shotgun blast in a dash for the largest one- day cash purse in mountain biking.  For complete event information, photos, an event sponsor list, and a breakout of the cash purse, visit here.

More on Epic Rides
Founded in 1999, Epic Rides has become world famous for producing events that celebrate the many positive aspects of mountain biking. Events such as the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo p/b Tucson Medical Center, Grand Junction Off-Road p/b U.S. Bank, Tour of the White Mountains and the Whiskey Off-Road are popular with participants because they offer challenging, fun riding and emphasize the joy and camaraderie inherent in the sport.