Stella Hobbs and Russell Finsterwald take Victory at 2025 BWR Montana
In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural BWR Montana, Stella Hobbs and Russell Finsterwald emerged victorious, while Flavia Oliveira Parks and Russell Finsterwald were crowned the 2025 BWR Quad/Tripel Crown of Gravel Series Champions
The event, held on the scenic, champagne gravel roads of Bozeman, attracted cyclists from across the country, who were met with stunning landscapes and a supportive local community.
The BWR Montana, known as the "Hell of the Bozone," featured a challenging course that combined silky descents, punchy climbs, and sinuous singletrack, creating an exhilarating backcountry Spring Classic. The race not only highlighted the skills of the competitors but also the warmth and enthusiasm of the Bozeman community, who rallied around the event with open arms and infectious energy.
In the men's race, Alexis Cartier led an early attack alongside ten other riders, quickly creating a gap. However, it was the relentless pursuit of Finsterwald that ultimately defined the race. After a strategic battle, Finsterwald made his move after 105 miles, breaking away from his rivals on singletrack to secure a hard-fought victory. He held off strong competition from Daxton, Lance, Luke, and Joe, crossing the line first to claim the inaugural BWR Montana title.
Meanwhile, the women’s race was equally dramatic. Stella Hobbs broke away from the chase group, creating a significant lead over her competitors. Despite facing challenges—including a 10-minute delay caused by a passing train Courtney Sherwell maintained her pace and crossed the finish line a remarkable 13 minutes behind Hobbs. Flavia Oliveira Parks rounded out the podium in third place, overcoming mechanical issues to complete the race with determination and true grit.
The results of the day also crowned Flavia Oliveira Parks and Russell Finsterwald as the Quad/Tripel Crown of Gravel Title winners, solidifying their status as top contenders in the series finale. Their performances throughout the season were marked by resilience and skill, culminating in this prestigious achievement.
“BWR Montana was an unforgettable experience,” said Finsterwald. “The course was challenging, but the community support made it all worthwhile. I’m honored to take home the title and can’t wait for the next challenge.”
Photo: L to R - Luke Mosteller 4th, Daxton Mock 2nd, Russell Finsterwald 1st, Lance Haidet 3rd and Joe Goettl 5th
Hobbs echoed this sentiment, stating, “Winning here in Bozeman, surrounded by such passionate fans and fellow cyclists, is a dream come true. I’m grateful for the support and can’t wait to return next year.”
Photo: L to R - Melissa Aitken 4th, Courtney Sherwell 2nd, Stella Hobbs 1st, Flavia Oliveira Parks 3rd and Chelsee Pummel 5th
The BWR Montana not only showcased the athletic prowess of its competitors but also highlighted the spirit of camaraderie and community that defines the cycling world. As the sun set over the picturesque Montana landscape, the inaugural event concluded with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for future races.