The history of the Ecology Center Classic, once Montana’s biggest bicycle race and a top event in the Northwest, is documented in the yellowed pages of old newspapers.
The race, which started in 1998, grew steadily over the years, reaching its peak in the mid-2000s. By 2003, it had five stages over four days and a cash prize of $15,000, attracting top riders from across the country.
The original organizers stepped down in 2006, renaming the event the Big Sky Cycling Classic. However, the race lost momentum and eventually disappeared from the calendar.
The Ecology Center Classic featured different races including a criterium race in downtown Missoula, an individual time trial, and a road race through the mountains. The Pintler Classic road race near Philipsburg and Georgetown Lake became a highlight of the event.
After a hiatus, the Pintler Classic is set to make a comeback on July 13, organized by Frontiers Racing. The race aims to attract riders from across the region and hopes to become a multi-day stage race in the future.
Registration is open until July 12 at runsignup.com/Race/ MT/Philipsburg/PintlerClassic.
The race course, which features dirt road sections, is described as a great challenge for riders. The event has received sponsorship from various organizations and individuals to help with its revival.
The return of the Pintler Classic is seen as a positive step for the cycling community in Montana and is expected to draw a good crowd of spectators and participants.
Joshua Murdock, an outdoor and natural resources reporter for the Missoulian, has documented the revival of the Pintler Classic and its significance in the cycling community.
