Wilson tackles the mountains

On July 16, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's Justin Wilson will be among the 800 competitors in the Leadville Silver Rush 50 Mile Mountain Bike Race in Colorado.

Cyclists start at 10,000 feet and will climb almost 7,500 feet on the course.

"I look at Leadville as a fun, unique opportunity to test myself," said Wilson, who has been training on his road bike during the season. "Just to finish the event in an honor. There is a cutoff time of eight hours and I think I can do it in around six.

"The terrain is crazy. To start the event you go straight up the side of a mountain carrying your bike. It is definitely not only a physical but mental challenge. But that is what makes it fun for me — this isn't my work.

"If the 50-mile bike race isn't enough, some people will come back and run the same 50 miles the next day. Not for me; I'll stick to biking, which is more than enough work for an 'off' weekend with no IndyCar racing."