BUTTE — The Butte 100 was the summer event everyone in the Mining City and beyond held their breath for. Despite the Folk Festival, An Ri Ra, and many other local events being canceled, the Butte 100 was still on as scheduled until recently. But a decision from the Butte Silver Bow health department has now ended any hope for the 14th annual race this July.
“We really felt confident that our safety plan would be approved, but the health department thought a race of this magnitude with that many riders, that many people coming from out of state and out of the country, and all the spectators and volunteers that we have, it was just too risky for our community," said Butte 100 race director Stephanie Sorini.
It’s an even tougher loss for the local biking community in Butte, which is truly passionate about this race. But biking enthusiasts from all over have already begun to show organizers that they’re ready for next year.
“I’ve actually just had a racer contact me ... saying I know this year’s race is canceled, but I want to sign up for next year’s so I can be assured a spot," said Sorini. "And so that is very promising and encouraging that I know there are racers out there who are going to work even harder for next year.”
Sorini believes that the cancellation of this year’s race along with the cancellations of so many local summer events, the 2021 Butte 100 will roar back to be one of the best Butte 100s ever to be held.
“I really am anticipating that 2021 year, No. 15, we already have the date set, July 24. It will be bigger and better than any race we’ve ever done," she said.
Racers who were already registered for this year’s Butte 100 will have their registration deferred to next year’s event.
