Dirty 40 Road Race brings hundreds of cyclists to Derby

All photos by Tanya Mueller

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DERBY — Around 400 cyclists from all over the U.S. and Canada made their way to Derby on Saturday morning to take part in the Dirty 40 Road Race.

The Dirty 40 has been described as being more difficult than the Ironman, or, in comparison to other cycling events, more difficult than the Tour of the Battenkill, America’s largest one-day cycling race through the world famous Battenkill Valley.

Saturday’s race covered 60 miles, with around 40 miles taking place on gravel back roads through some of the most scenic landscapes of Vermont. Although extremely difficult, the race brought together riders of all abilities and disciplines.

Will Letendre was the overall winner, completing the course in 3:31:13, followed by Matt Surch, and Iain Radford, both about 30 seconds behind.

Julie Wright took home the win in the women’s division, followed by Stephanie Swan, and Susan Lynch.

“About fifteen miles in I attacked, and some of the guys came with me,” Will Letendre said after winning the race. “We regrouped about thirty miles in, but I was able to get a gap going up a big climb, and the guys stayed about fifteen seconds behind me from there.”

Despite a grueling afternoon of racing, riders were treated afterward to a party in the field outside North Country Union Jr. High, where food and drinks were served, along with live music by 6 East, a bluegrass trio based out of Cape Cod, Mass.

The Dirty 40 Road Race was started in 2013, by co-founders Anthony Moccia and Heidi Myers, who used the event as a way to raise money for charity. After the cost of putting on a race is paid for, all profits are donated to the Halo Foundation, an organization that helps patients who are struggling with the costs of cancer treatment.

A full breakdown of Saturday’s winners:

Men’s Overall Winners
1. Will Letendre
2. Matt Surch
3. Iain Radford

Women’s Overall Winners
1. Julie Wright
2. Stephanie Swan
3. Susan Lynch

Lantern Rouge Recipients
1. Donna Young
2. Jamie Benard

Tandem Winners
1. Pamela Blalock/John Bayley
2. Alice Johannen/Colin Johannen
3. Carlos Garcia/

Men’s 40+ Winners
1. Will Letendre
2. John Funk
3. Sheldon Miller

Men’s 60+ Winners
1. Rick Balser
2. Bob Mathes
3. Daniel O’Neill

Women’s Singlespeed Winners
1. Rebecca Lowe
2. Stephanie Bennett

Men’s Singlespeed Winners
1. Mark Budreski
2. Kevin Church
3. George Lowe

Women’s 60+ Winners
1. Leslie Ludtke
2. Lindy Sargent
3. Linda Shelburne

Women’s 40+ Winners
1. Susan Lynch
2. Sonia Cyr
3. Cathy Rowell