Sports - Sports News

POSTED: Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2009

CYCLING: Bellingham's Rathcamp third fastest at Mount Baker Hill Climb

Seattle's Russell Stevenson took top honors at the Mount Baker Hill Climb on Sunday, Sept. 13, while Bellingham's Ben Rathkamp nabbed third place overall and was Whatcom County's top finisher.

Rathkamp, who navigated the 24.5 mile course from Glacier to Artist Point in 1 hour, 26 minutes, 44 seconds while riding in the men's 20-29 competitive division, and Bellingham's Lise Grace, who took 1:35.13 to finish the course in the women's 40-49 competitive division, each won ski passes from Mount Baker Ski Area as Whatcom County's top finishers.

It was the fifth time Grace has finished as Whatcom's top female rider in the race's seven years, NorKa Recreation owner and event director Charlie Heggem said in a phone interview. She's won the women's competitive division three times during that span.

Stevenson, though, was the big winner, taking home $542 for being the fastest man on the climb, $200 for winning King of the Hill honors and $100 for winning his age division - the men's 30-39 competitive class. He made the climb in 1:25.16.

Nathan MacDonald edged Rathkamp for second place with a time of 1:25.40.

The women's top finisher was Jennifer Slawta, who raced in the women's 40-49 competitive division and finished with a time of 1:31.00. She also netted $542 and $100 for winning her age group.

Riders could have won $1,000 for breaking the course records, set last year, but that wasn't part of the strategy this year, Heggem said.

"The chess match of the bike race played out with the event this year," Heggem said. "The record times were set so low last year ... that they were unattainable to your competitive riders because you have to have a team. Instead they started off relatively slow - they were racing for the place.

Heggem estimated about 870 competitors took part in the Ride 542, Run 542 and Crossrace 542 events that took place over the weekend.

Heggem also said that $1 from each rider who registered for the event will go to three organizations: Whatcom Land Trust, Resources of Bellingham and Whatcom County Parks and Recreation, specifically for to benefit at the new Maple Falls Park. A portion of proceeds from merchandise sold will benefit the Laurendeau Cancer Foundation, he said.