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Fat Bike Worlds returns to Crested Butte

Eagle County athletes have a history of success at the annual winter cycling extravaganza

EagleVail athlete Josiah Middaugh has won five Fat Bike Worlds titles.
Fat Bike Worlds/Courtesy photo

Fat Bike Worlds is coming home.

The 10th-annual event returns to Crested Butte Friday through Sunday, with the five-lap championship race set for Saturday.

“Don’t be intimidated by the title ‘World Championships.’ Fat Bike Worlds is a race for anyone who loves to ride bikes,” stated Dave Ochs, race organizer and executive director of the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association. “It’s a spectacle, a celebration and a winter bucket-list event — all in one. We can’t wait to celebrate fat biking in true Crested Butte style.”



The inaugural Fat Bike Worlds was organized by Ochs and held in Crested Butte in 2016. Pro cyclist Robbie Squire and Crested Butte local Amy Beisel topped the 250-athlete field that year. Crested Butte hosted until 2021, when the event traveled to Pinedale, Wyoming. In 2022 and 2023, riders gathered in New Richmond, Wisconsin before Fat Bike Worlds came to Leadville last winter.

Eagle County riders have a history of success at Fat Bike Worlds. Eagle’s Karen Jarchow won the title in Crested Butte back in 2017. EagleVail XTERRA World Champion Josiah Middaugh captured four straight Fat Bike Worlds titles (2019-2022) and took the title in the Cloud City in 2024. Fellow Eagle County rider Haley Dumke won the women’s championship last year as 13 area cyclists took part in a field of more than 250. As of Thursday morning, zero Eagle County athletes had registered.

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The 10th-annual Fat Bike Worlds returns to where it all started this weekend: Crested Butte.
Fat Bike Worlds/Courtesy photo

Fat biking has increased in popularity across the state and Crested Butte — often considered one of the birthplaces of mountain biking — has established itself a premier winter riding destination as well.

“Crested Butte and the entire Gunnison Valley offer unparalleled adventures for fat biking enthusiasts,” stated Andrew Sandstrom, marketing director of the Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism and Prosperity Partnership. “Fat Bike Worlds highlights the vibrant biking culture Crested Butte is known for, bringing together competitive cyclists and those new to the sport for an unforgettable weekend.”

Conditions could be perfect for racing. Saturday is expected to be cloudy with a high of 24 degrees.

Registration for the event is $165, which also gains riders admittance to a welcome party on Friday and a group ride on Sunday, including a free beer at Zuni West Brewing Company. The first 250 registrants also receive a free swag bag and the first 120 championship race finishers will be awarded a retro Fat Bike Worlds leather flask.

Detailed schedules, course information, lodging options, and registration can be found on the official Fat Bike Worlds website.


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