DOWNIEVILLE — The annual Downieville Classic, presented by Santa Cruz Bicycles and benefiting the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, is once again returning to test mountain bikers over two days of grueling competition. On Saturday, July 13th, riders will participate in the Cross-Country race, which begins in Sierra City, climbs to Packer Saddle, and then descends back to Downieville. On Sunday, the downhill event will test rider bravery in a mad dash from Packer Saddle to town by a more direct route. The coveted All-Mountain trophy will go to the rider with the best results over both days combined.

Top Racers Gear Up

Returning this year are multi-time winner Geoff Kabush and last year’s winner in the pro women category, Katerina Nash. Up-and-coming professional Anna Yamauchi, who placed third in pro women’s all-mountain last year, will also participate.

Santa Cruz Bicycles is once again sending several riders. Last year’s winner Keegan Swenson will be returning to defend his title. Multi-year masters winner Justin Robinson, ex-world cup downhiller Sam Dale, and men’s overall competitor Tobin Ortenblad will also compete. Although regulars Alexis Skarda and Kaysee Armstrong are injured this year, Evelyn Dong will represent Santa Cruz’s sister company, Juliana Bicycles. Santa Cruz will also host a tent with special bikes on display, encouraging all to visit.

Perhaps the biggest name on the entry sheet this year is three-time Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer. Leipheimer is coming off a win at Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s Lost and Found Gravel Grinder race in Portola on June 15th.

Complementing the Race

One highlight is the return of Ron’s House of Adult Big Air River Jump, where a ramp is built for bikers to jump into the Yuba/Downie River confluence. That event will take place around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. For those into dancing, there will be two opportunities: an informal dance party on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the parking lot behind Yuba Expeditions and the official “Downieville Dance Party” on Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m., featuring the band Joy & Madness.

Booths will be set up along Main Street in Downieville starting Friday, and a stage will be constructed at the Community Hall parking lot for music and events. Main Street will be closed off between Highway 49 and School Street starting Thursday, July 11th, at 3:00 p.m. until Sunday, July 14th, at 7:00 p.m. Additional road and trail closures are listed here, and a schedule of events is available here.