At the Paralympic Games in Beijing China last year, the world witnessed some incredible competition – particularly during the handcycling and wheelchair racing events. While preparing the roster for this year’s Sadler’s Alaska Challenge, we noticed something: It’s not very different from the start list in Beijing!

With the 25th Anniversary buzz circulating for 22 months now, word got around that this year’s race would be something special. As expected, we have some big name, international competitors. But what we didn’t expect, is just how many we would have. Below are some statistics and some racers to watch out for:

Athletes racing this year who also competed in Beijing: 16
Number of athletes who won Gold medals in Beijing: 4
Athletes who have, or currently hold World Records: 7
Number of Alaskan entrants: 8 (the most ever)
Number of women entrants: 5 (the most ever)
Number of countries represented: 8 (the most ever)
Total number of racers: 39 (the most ever)
Youngest Competitor: 25
Oldest Competitor: 70

In addition, the race will feature two combat-injured veterans – Melissa Stockwell and Carlos Moleda – both fierce competitors, but – like all of their fellow race entrants – show us just how important sport can be for better health, well-being, and morale…no matter your “ability.”

This race is important to different competitors for different reasons. Connecticut’s Joe Dowling, for example, has raced in Alaska a handful of times, but he will be celebrating his 70th birthday at this year’s race, and he’ll be a happy man atop Hatcher’s Pass on July 26th. Larry Coutermarsh – who lives in North Pole, AK – will of course be racing for his 25th time. Why not ? You get free entry after 15 years! Many other racers are coming to experience the beauty of Alaska…a different part than is usually seen on the race.

One of the biggest reasons many elite competitors come to Alaska, is because there really is no other event like it anywhere in the world. It’s been billed as the “Tour de France” of wheelchair sports, and is the only multi-day, timed stage race in the world for handcyclists and wheelchair racers. Combine that with the beauty of Alaska and the kindness and hospitality of the communities visited by the race, and you get a truly memorable experience.

Who will win ?

There are some big, BIG names to look out for this year, and we expect some incredible racing on the roads of Alaska. In the Kneeseat handcycle
race, former winner – and Paralympic Gold Medallist – Ernst Van Dyk of South Africa, will have his hands full with another former winner, Scott McNeice, who is one of the world’s best climbers. Another Paralympian, Norbert Mosandl of Germany will be on hand to do battle with Van Dyk, McNeice, newcomer Chris Peterson, and another South African, Krige Schabort…who will also look to make his mark on the climbs.

In the Longseat category, it’s anybody race, and you can expect a big group on the first five stages before the mountains create larger time gaps. Switzerland’s Heinz Frei won double gold in Beijing, and is no stranger to mountains. However, one look at the roster, and it’s easy to see that there are a lot of other guys who hail from mountainous areas: The entire Austrian handcycling team is here: pretty sure there are some mountains there…watch for Manfred Putz, who is well known on the European circuit. A couple of guys from Colorado: Drew Wills and Matt Updike (who represented Team USA in Beijing)…yeah, they can climb. And don’t forget the German, Stefan Baumann…he is a regular fixture in the rearview mirror of Frei, and another Austrian
who now lives in Germany: Elmar Sternath. Sternath has raced at Sadler’s before, and is back to do battle for the 25th Anniversary bragging rights.

The women’s handcycle race will be on of the most exciting ever! You can expect a battle for victory between bitter rivals, Andrea Eskau of Germany and Monique Van der Vorst of the Netherlands (both ride kneeling bikes), but look for the remaining three [American] women, Susan Katz, Melissa Stockwell, and former winner Sherry Schulz – all of whom ride longseat bikes – to battle for the final podium spot.

In the men’s wheelchair race, forme winner James Lilly will be back for his 10th time in a racing chair, and is always a guy to watch. However, Lilly will have to contend with another former winner and Sadler’s regular, Paul Nunnari of Australia, who is known for his climbing prowess and was excited when he learned of this year’s course. If that’s not enough, Mexico’s Saul Mendoza is looking to cap his career at this year’s race, and if you haven’t heard of him, Google will give you about 100,000 results that include world records, Paralympic medals, and the like.

Don’t forget about the Speedy Sourdough award….Challenge Alaska, host of the race is proud that there are eight Alaskans this year…the most ever at the race. Mark Hufford and Kevin Jackson are experienced Alaskans who will share no secrets with strong newcomer Bill Lasher. Edwin Jones, Mike O’Neill, Brant Schalk, and Rick Gilliland all are looking fit and ready to roll. Larry Coutermarsh who always draws a crowd will be sure to show with his usual flair.

You can read the final, complete list of entrants — along with bios and photos for each — HERE.