Muhlfeld earns top-5 finish at Sturgis ultra

Calling it the most mentally challenging and technically demanding race of his life, Whitefish cyclist Clint Muhlfeld battled his way to a top-5 finish at the grueling Tatanka 100 mountain bike race last month in Sturgis, S.D.

The race is part of the U.S. National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Series.

Muhlfeld completed the 100-mile race in 9:57:45 for fifth place, but not before an epic battle with mud, rushing rivers and blown tires.

The Sturgis race began in a cold downpour at 5 a.m., setting up muddy and slick trail conditions. Seven miles from the start Muhlfeld blew a tire, then blew another a mile later. He was dropped into last place and was forced to play catch up the rest of the day.

Racers were forced to run up the steep sections of trail due to “greasy and muddy” conditions. Creek crossings were thigh deep in cold and fast water.

“The name of the game was perseverance, to keep moving forward and not focus on the ridiculous conditions we were experiencing,” Muhlfeld told MTBracenews.

After a short detour off route, Muhlfeld slowly crept back into contention and finished just behind the lead group.

“I’m just happy to have finished with my bike and I in one piece,” he said.

Of the 80 registered racers, only 23 finished. Finish times were about two hours longer than previous years.

Muhlfeld also placed fourth overall in the High Cascades 100 mountain bike race last month in Bend, Ore. He completed the 100-mile course in 7:47:44, a little more than 18 minutes behind winner Cary Smith who clocked at 7:29:07.

Muhlfeld races for the Sportsman Ski Haus cycling team.