Savilia Blunk and Madigan Munro to race Chequamegon 40

World Cup racers head to Wisconsin

American World Cup racers Savilia Blunk and Madigan Munro will race the Chequamegon 40 this weekend in Wisconsin, facing up against a deep women’s field of Life Time Grand Prix racers. 

Blunk wins Chequamegon in 2022

Both riders focus on World Cup XCO racing so they don’t often race in the longer distance races that are more common in the US. However, they have a break in their race schedules after the World Championships and the next World Cup taking place in Lake Placid, New York. Chequamegon is also a shorter race—only 40-miles—closer in duration to XCO races compared to other Life Time races. 

Blunk won Chequamegon in 2022, absolutely making her a race favorite. This summer, Blunk placed 12th at the Paris Olympics and 8th at Worlds. Munro is the current U23 national champion, placed 10th at Worlds, and helped Team USA in their gold medal ride in the Team Relay event. 

Other riders to watch in the women’s race include Alexis Skarda, Sofia Gomez Villafane, Haley Smith, Hannah Otto and Jenna Rhinehart. As outside riders, Blunk and Munro will not factor in the Life Time Grand Prix overall standings, which are currently led by Villafane followed by Smith and Otto. Look for riders like Sarah Sturm, Sarah Lange, Melisa Rollins, and Paige Onweller who will attempt to improve and solidify their places in the top-10. 

Chequamegon is a point-to-point race that follows portions of the American Birkebeiner Nordic ski route, featuring punchy climbs and bumpy grass sections. Bunch sprint finishes have been common the last several years. The race also is popular with amateur riders from across Wisconsin and the US. 

Also this weekend in the world of off-road are the Enduro MTB World Championships and the first round of the USCX series. After Chequamegon, the Life Time Grand Prix rolls on to The Rad Dirt Fest, a 100-mile gravel race in Colorado.