SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike is adding a new show feature, the Interbike Mechanics Challenge, presented by Park Tool.
The competition will test mechanics ability to complete several tasks that they perform on a regular basis as quickly as possible, but with a twist. "Equalizers" will be put in place at each of the four stations during the qualifying round. Participants with the lowest times in the qualifying rounds will advance to the finals round.
Supporting sponsors include Hutchinson Tires, Finish Line, the NBDA, the PBMA and Innovative Timing.
"We felt strongly that this was the year to finally elevate the status of the bicycle mechanic in our industry," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "These often unsung heroes are at the core of what separates bike shops from online competition. It's only right that we celebrate what it is they do each and every day with some fun and challenging competition. Mind you this will not be an easy competition, so interested mechanics need to bring their 'A' game if they hope to succeed."
The event will be directed by Eric Lepping, a team mechanic and race management veteran for more than 30 years. Staffing and judging each challenge station will be members of the newly formed Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association. Each station will be timed by Innovative Timing Systems, who will keep track of individual times on leaderboard monitors throughout the event. Organizers said the event will be prominently featured on the Interbike show floor with grandstand seating for spectators.
Nine-time Tour de France racer and broadcast personality Frankie Andreu will keep the event moving as emcee.
"When Interbike came to us with the details of the Mechanics Challenge, it was an easy decision to commit our involvement," said Eric Hawkins, president of Park Tool. "Details surrounding the event stations won't be announced in advance, but many of our tools will be needed (and on-hand) to complete the challenges – and that's all we're going to say. If you want a chance to hang a plaque on the wall of your shop proclaiming you're the fastest in the land, then we'll see you at Interbike."
All Mechanics Challenge participants will receive commemorative swag upon completing the course from Interbike and the NBDA, while the top four will qualify for the finals. Those four will tackle a new course, in a head-to-head, non-timed heat, for the chance to win the grand prize including a PK-2 Professional Tool Kit from Park Tool, a three-night hotel stay for Interbike 2017 and items from Finish Line, Hutchinson Tires and more.
The qualifying rounds will take place over on Wednesday, September 21 from 10-5 p.m. and Thursday September 22, from 10-2 p.m. The finals will take place on Thursday from 3-5 p.m. Project Bike Tech will be hosting a Happy Hour upon the completion of the Finals on Thursday afternoon.
A limited number of spots are available for mechanics that wish to participate. More details on how to register can be found at interbike.com/events/mechanics-challenge. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available for the Mechanics Challenge. For more information, contact Andria Klinger at andria.klinger@interbike.com or 949-226-5745.
