Cyclist grabs ninth place in ultra marathon race

CYCLING: Cornelius’ Hugh Gapay reaches his goal of a top 10 finish in his first Furnace Creek 508

By Nancy Townsley

The Forest Grove News-Times, Oct 10, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Courtesy photo

Hugh Gapay, 43, of Cornelius, recently met his goal of a top 10 finish at the Furnace Creek 508, a world-class ultra marathon cycling event.

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It’s known as the “Toughest 48 Hours in Sport,” but Cornelius’ Hugh Gapay finished the Furnace Creek 508 ultra marathon bicycle race last weekend in just over 34 hours.

“I feel great,” Gapay, 43, said Monday morning as he caravanned back home to Oregon after completing the 24th annual event ahead of 62 other solo riders from all over the world.

“My legs are a little sore, but I’m happy because everything came together in all aspects of the race for me.”

Gapay’s time at the tape was 34:02:36. The winner was Michael Emde of Spokane, Wash., who rolled across the finish line in 27:32.

All together, there were 71 solo riders from 11 countries and 23 states.

“Short of ‘Race Across America,’ this is the showcase event for ultra marathon bicycling,” Gapay said.

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