Whitefish's Stella Hobbs tops podium in grueling gravel race

The Last Best Race was on par with its slogan “for neighbors, racers, n’ adventure chasers” as an estimated 550 participants, 125 volunteers and over 1,000 supporters and spectators gathered in Whitefish last weekend for the fourth edition of the gravel cycling race.

“This was the best year yet. Each year we get a little more dialed and our volunteer crew becomes more experienced and enthusiastic. It’s a joy to watch and since we are volunteer run, it’s rewarding for everyone,” said co-organizer Jess Cerra.  

The short course took riders across nearly 48 miles with 4,189 feet of elevation gain. The long course race, The Big Horn Sheep, was 91 miles with 8,189 feet of elevation gain and included a climb up Werner Peak and Big Mountain.

The race raises money for financially qualified women to attend college. This year, the event raised over $26,000 as of Monday, which exceeded the set goal.  

Adam Roberge, hailing from Prevost, Quebec, was the top finisher overall in the long race men’s division, clocking in at 5:00.22.8.  

Whitefish’s Stella Hobbs, co-organizer for the event, took the top spot in the long race for women, clocking in at 5:24.47.3.  

Paracyclist Justin Mathers of Fayetteville, North Carolina finished the long feat in 7:54:53.5.  

Topping out the long race’s podiums for women were Kyleigh Spearing of Frankfurt, Illinois; Serena Gordon of Bend, Oregon; Cassia Boglio of Perth, Washington, and Amber Steed of Kalispell. On the men’s side, the top five included Ted King of Richmond, Vermont; Ethan Overson of Lafayette, Colorado; Caleb Swartz of Missoula; and Carter Nieuwesteeg of Fernie, B.C.  

For the shorter race, the top five female finishers were Cassie Nelson of Missoula, who finished in 2:57:29.9, followed by Anya Shawback of Kalispell; Laura Rosema of Winthrop, Washington; Michelle Allen of Tucson, Arizona; and Jessica Culver of Missoula.  

The top five short-course finishers for the men were BennyG Grass of Missoula, clocking in at 2:41:07.3, followed by Jacob Yahrmatter of Missoula; Ignacio Mendez-Nunez of Missoula; Matthew Nichols of Columbus, Georgia; and Dan Gluck of Saint Charles, Missouri.  

Paracyclists Megan Fisher of Missoula and David Nickelson of Winter Garden, Florida were also event winners in the short-course race. 

Joshua Strong of Westminster, Colorado took the podium in the short-course non-binary division.  

“I’m really proud of what we were able to do. I’m so happy I was able to be involved, and it feels great for the shop to host for the third year in a row. It is an honor for the shop and our staff, for me, and for everyone involved to be able to showcase to the community,” said co-organizer Hobbs, who is a co-owner of Great Northern Cycle & Ski. 

“It was super special and a massive privilege to be able to ride as well as a race director. I’m grateful for Jess’ and everyone’s support,” Hobbs said.  

Cerra said the podium party at the finish line on Sunday was a highlight of the weekend’s events, thanks to Forage Catering, Tamarack Brewing, Vibrant Roots and Sweet Peaks for providing “the perfect cap to the weekend.”  

“Seeing co-director Stella take the top step, and spray champagne, was an unforgettable moment for everyone,” Cerra said.