PHILIPSBURG — Sam Boardman would make the perfect spokesman for the joy of cycling in Montana. The word he favored in describing the vast, expansive landscape where Saturday's Pintler Classic was held was "beautiful." "But I don't know if I should be saying that," he joked after winning the 81.
4-mile, Cat 1/2/3 event with a time of 3 hours, 11 minutes, 4.78 seconds. "I think I'm supposed to be saying it sucks here, don't come.
" Boardman, a professional cycler who moved to Whitefish two years ago with his Montana-raised wife, has a personality that's perfect for cycling promotion. He's well-spoken and humble with a familiar sense of humor. "I think grassroots events are what make bike racing possible," he said.
"Local, small organizations like the one that put on today's race are the way I got into bike racing. "I think it's great to have events like this, especially in Montana where it's the only road race in the state. As a road racer who lives in the state, I feel like it's almost my duty to come support this.
" Boardman, who grew up in Washington, D.C., seemed to enjoy the journey even more than the outcome Saturday.
"Being the city-slickin' interloper I am who married my way into the state because my wife is from here, I never really experienced Montana until we started dating and I started visiting here," said the 28-year-old, who met his wife in college in California. "It's completely different than what I'm used to, growing up in the city. To be able to enjoy this lan.