Interbike, the largest bicycle industry trade show in North America, has opened registration for the third annual Mechanics Challenge presented by Park Tool. The spectator-friendly event will take place on the Interbike show floor, in a fast-paced, two-day format that includes qualifying heats from 10:30 – 17:00 PT on Tuesday, September 18 and from 10:30 – 14:00 on Wednesday, September 19. The format culminates in semi-final and final rounds, held from 15:00 – 17:00 on Wednesday, September 19.
“This event is a ton of fun! It’s the mechanics’ time trial,” described 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.”
Interbike Marketweek will take place in the Reno Tahoe region beginning with the Northstar Free-Ride Festival in North Lake Tahoe, CA, on September 14-16, 2018 (with bike demos taking place on September 15-16). OutDoor Demo will run from September 16-17, 2018 for members of the trade, followed by the Interbike Expo in Reno, NV on September 18-20, 2018.
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. Emcee Andreu provides live commentary for spectators, who enjoy the action from grandstand seating adjacent to the workspace.
“Last year, we dialled in to a terrific format for the Mechanics Challenge,” said Eric Hawkins, 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 centre 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 US$515, and hotel accommodation 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 US$120.
In addition to its presenting sponsor Park Tool, the Mechanics Challenge enjoys repeat support from Gemini Timing, Project Bike Tech and the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association (PBMA), whose volunteers act as officials and oversee the challenge stations. Eric Lepping, a team mechanic and race management veteran for more than 30 years, has also 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, “thanks to the chance to make friends from around the world and enjoy huge camaraderie.”
PBMA President James Stanfill summarized “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 online at Active.com. All competitors – and spectators – must also register as Interbike show attendees. Additional information about the Mechanics Challenge and other show events can be found on the Interbike website.
