SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has opened registration for the third annual Mechanics Challenge presented by Park Tool.
The event will take place on the Interbike show floor with qualifying heats on Sept. 18-19 and the semi-final and final rounds held from 2-5 p.m. on Sept. 19.
"This event is a ton of fun! It's the mechanics' time trial," said nine-time Tour de France competitor and broadcast personality Frankie Andreu, who has emceed the event since its first year. "Mechanics are the heart and soul of every shop and the talent and speed that's on display at the Challenge is just phenomenal. People should come to see it – and any mechanic who's coming to the show should definitely register."
The qualifying heats of the Mechanics Challenge feature an all-new series of four timed stations that test the mechanics' ability to complete standard bicycle repair and assembly tasks quickly and accurately. The four competitors with the best times face off to complete a different set of four timed tasks in the semi-final round. For the final, two mechanics go head-to-head on five tasks, in a race to finish first. Andreu provides live commentary for spectators, who can enjoy the action from grandstand seating adjacent to the workspace.
"Last year, we dialed in to a terrific format for the Mechanics Challenge," said Eric Hawkins, the president of Park Tool. "There are challenge tasks for every round, different from the previous year's, which are judged solely on time and accuracy. The mechanics' skills take center stage. Park Tool will be there to cheer on all the mechanics, and we're proud to award the first and second place finishers with some of our newest offerings."
The prize packages furnished by Park Tool, Shimano, and Interbike include the soon-to-be-released Park Tool BX-3 Rolling Big Blue Box, a new, impact-resistant traveling tool case valued at $515, and hotel accommodations at Interbike 2019 for the overall winner. The second place finisher will receive the reconfigured Park Tool BX 2.2 Blue Box Tool Case. Additionally, both winners will take home Shimano products and a limited edition Park Tool Kuhl Brand ambassador jacket valued at $120.
In addition to its presenting sponsor Park Tool, returning Mechanics Challenge sponsors include Gemini Timing, Project Bike Tech, and the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association , whose volunteers act as officials and oversee the challenge stations. Eric Lepping, a team mechanic and race management veteran for more than 30 years, also has returned to direct the event.
One thing that will definitely change in 2018, however, is the name of the winner, as defending two-time past champion Win Allen, of Win's Wheels in Westlake Village, California, has joined the board of PBMA, and announced that he will not compete this year to avoid any conflict of interest. Allen will cheer from the sidelines of an event he describes as one of his best Interbike memories.
PBMA's president, James Stanfill, said, "The Mechanics Challenge is the perfect platform to have a little fun, as well as show off just how efficient of a mechanic you can be. We are excited to be back promoting professional mechanics at a great event like Interbike!"
Registration for the Mechanics Challenge is free, and available exclusively online at Active.com. All competitors and spectators must be registered Interbike show attendees. Additional information about the Mechanics Challenge and other show events can be found on the Interbike website.
Related: A win for Win at the Mechanics Challenge — Sept. 2016
