Community School sophomore Max Durtschi, riding for Ketchum's Sun Summit Cycling Club, posted impressive stage race results during the Tour of Walla Walla April 19-20 in Washington State.
One of nearly 100 cyclists in the Men's Category 3 division at the $10,395 Banner Bank U.S. Cycling Federation event, Durtschi placed second in the 75-mile road race and finished third in the "King of the Mountain" competition.
Durtschi conquered the 75-mile rolling hills course on country roads with a time of 3.36:02, in second place of 65 cyclists 1:43 behind the winner.
Solid finishes in the 7.5-mile Wilson Hollow time trial April 19 (12th of 84 cyclists) and the 50-minute Walla Walla six-corner downtown criterium April 20 (23rd of 56) put Durtschi in fifth place overall.
"I'm really pleased," said Durtschi. "The Tour of Walla Walla is a tough race. Being my first race of the season and having the time trial and road race on the same day, I just hoped I could finish. Being second in the RR was a big surprise."
Emmett Roubaix results
Durtschi, riding for Sun Summit, picked up a Men's Category 3 road race victory Sunday in the 57.5-mile Emmett Roubaix road race. Durtschi (2.34:48) won the 16-rider class in a photo finish over Boise-based cyclist Dylan Jones.
Scott Krankkala of California Giant/Specialized was ninth (2.40:20) in Men's 3. Other Wood River Valley riders finished the Emmett RR as well:
Men's Category 1/2 (76 miles): 8—Brandon Lynch 3.24:12 (7:33 off the winning pace). 10—Reid Pletcher (Sun Summit) 3.25:04.
Women's 1/2/3 (57.5 miles): 5—Sarah Brown 3.02:32.
Men's Master A 35-plus (57.5 miles): 4—Scott Robinson (SV Road & Dirt) 2.36:01.
Men's Category 4/5 (39 miles): 4—Taylor Sundali (Sun Summit) 1.46:42.
Men's B 45-plus (39 miles): 11—Herberth Corrales 1.56:41.
Men's B 55-plus (39 miles): 8—John Swyers (Durance Cycleworks/Lehman Brothers) 2.13:42.