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Weather forecast deteriorating for Leadville

Published: Aug. 13, 2009

As of Friday evening, The National Weather Service is calling for a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon Saturday in Leadville, and race organizers and racers are bracing for a possible wet finish to the race, which starts at 6:30 a.m.

Earlier int he week the forecast was for a 30 percent chance of rain Saturday, and it rained off and on in Leadville Friday. Organizers are now hoping that many amateur riders can finish before the rain arrives.

"I think God doesn't like slow mountain bike riders," said Ken Chlouber, the race director.

The weather could affect Lance Armstrong's attempt to set a course record. A record breaking winner would finish at around 12:30 or 1 p.m.

"We are hoping we can get in a good part of the day before the rain," Chlouber said.

Last year it began pouring about two hours after race winner Dave Wiens crossed the line.

"I've never had a wet race" at Leadville, Wiens said. "I'm due."


VeloNews.com and Singletrack.com will have a big crew at Leadville Saturday - reporting, shooting pictures and video and, in a few cases, racing. Follow along at twitter.com/singletrack_com.