March 15, 2013 (Bloomington, MN) — Salsa-sponsored rider Jay Petervary from Idaho took the top spot on the podium at the 2013 Iditarod Trail  Invitational (ITI) race in Alaska, setting a course record in the process.  Petervary finished the 350-mile self-supported race in two days, 19 hours, and 16 minutes, taking 10 hours off the  previous record.

“The race definitely came down to sleep deprivation, which is something I’m both very familiar and comfortable  with,” said Petervary. “I have dealt with the sleep monster so much and actually enjoy seeing where it will take me.  Of course, there is always the safety balance to contend with as well.”  Petervary rode a Beargrease in the event, Salsa’s fatbike racing model.

“The Beargrease was simply amazing,” said  Petervary. “It’s very stable and doesn’t need constant steering correction. I love that about the bike. It feels like my  summer race bikes.”  A six-time veteran of the ITI, Petervary raced with the lightest load he ever carried in the event. “The bike was 46  pounds loaded, including a Thermos of water and my edible calories,” he said.

The crew at Salsa was thrilled with Petervary’s success. “Jay is a special breed of athlete that is capable of pushing  himself farther than most of us can ever dream of,” said Mike Riemer, marketing manager at Salsa. “He works  very hard for these moments, so it was very fulfilling for us not just to see him win, but to see him win on the  Beargrease.”  Petervary’s victory marks the second big win for the Beargrease.

Earlier this year, Todd McFadden of Duluth, Minnesota won the Arrowhead 135 on a Beargrease.  “Jay’s win at the ITI 350 is confirmation that we’ve done our homework and brought a exceptionally capable bike  to the market. This is the first year for the Beargrease and it is out there helping folks win races.

That’s something  we feel good about,” said Riemer.

Full results HERE.