Who will claim the title of Interbike Master Wrench?
Qualifying Rounds:
Wednesday, September 21 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Finals:
Thursday, September 22 – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location:
Hall B
At a time when our industry is under pressure in new and challenging ways, the role of the mechanic has never been more important. We think its high-time that these often overlooked professionals are given the due they deserve. At Interbike 2016 over the course of two days, we will shine the spotlight on 100+ mechanics from North America who will have an opportunity to show their skills in a fun but challenging competition.
Prominently featured on the Interbike show floor with grandstand seating for spectators, the competition will test the mechanics ability to complete several tasks that they perform on a regular basis as quickly as possible, but with a twist. Equalizers will be put in place at each of the four stations during the qualifying rounds to make the tasks, and event, fun and challenging. Participants with the lowest times in the qualifying rounds will advance to the finals round.
All Mechanics Challenge participants will receive commemorative swag upon completing the course from Interbike and the NBDA, while the top four will qualify for the finals. Those four will tackle a new course, in a head-to-head, non-timed heat, for the chance to win the grand prize including a PK-2 Professional Tool Kit from Park Tool, a 3-night hotel stay for Interbike 2017 and items from Finish Line Products, Hutchinson Tires and more.
Before you register for the Mechanics Challenge, please ensure that you are registered and approved to attend Interbike. Space is limited. Click on the link below to register for the event and select your preferred wave. If you have any additional questions, please contactLynne.
HEAD OFFICIAL & COURSE MARSHALS
All on course and competition-related matters will be resolved by the sole discretion of the Head Official and his team.
Head Official: Eric Lepping
Eric Lepping has been around bikes his entire life. In 1983 he worked in a bike shop, which led to working with Campagnolo Neutral Support, forming a small neutral support business and being part of the second USCF (now USA cycling) Mechanics’ Camp in 1988. After working with Campy at the 1988 Philly US Pro Championships Eric started working for the Pepsi Fanini team, and in 1993 Eric was the road manager for the Shaklee men’s and women’s teams. He won the Outstanding Mechanic award at that year’s Idaho International Women’s Challenge. While 1993 was Eric’s last year as an on the road wrench it was far from the end of his love of bikes or involvement in the sport. He continues to work at most of the highest level races in the country today and is on the staff of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, Winston Salem Cycling Classic, and the US Pro National Championships.
Emcee: Frankie Andreu
Frankie Andreu is one of the most popular and well-respected names in American professional cycling. He retired from racing at the end of 2000 after a 12-year professional career. During his racing career he competed in the Tour de France nine times.
Frankie’s Tours went from 1992-2000 and during that time there were only five winners. Miguel Indurain, Bjarne Riis, Jan Ullrich, Marco Pantani, and Lance Armstrong.
He was one of the team’s most selfless performers and most depended on workers. In addition, he competed in three Tours of Spain and one Giro d’ Italia. His racing experience not only encompassed Grand Tours, but also included high placed finishes in World Cup events, World Championships, Spring Classics, and two Olympic Games: 1988 placing 8th and 1996 placing fourth in Atlanta.
Frankie is also a gifted writer and his Tour de France commentaries have been published on many different websites. Frankie’s face can be seen on the Versus Network every July during coverage of the Tour de France.
Course Marshals: Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association
The PBMA is dedicated to promoting, developing and advocating for the Professional Bicycle Mechanic. This will include not only focusing on each of these tasks within our industry but also educating the public on why utilizing a professional mechanic and a professional shop will be every more important in the future.
Project Bike Tech
Project Bike Tech programs offer technical training in bicycle mechanics, preparing youth for job opportunities within the bicycle industry. Additionally, youth are introduced to the bicycle as an alternative source of mainstream transportation, a road to healthy living, and a means for connecting with the outdoors. From bicycle safety and basic roadside repair to bicycle cultures and career opportunities, Project Bike Tech encourages communities to explore the benefits of adopting a bicycling lifestyle.
