Tom Preller wins sixth straight title in the 2026 Asaayi Bike Race

By Truman Begaye
Special to the Times

ASAAYI, N.M.

The Tour De Rez Cup Series returned to the Chuska Mountains on Saturday morning for the 2026 Asaayi Bike Race, where Page, Arizona, native Tom “Sunshine” Preller claimed his sixth consecutive championship with a time of 38 minutes, 57 seconds.

“I have the advantage of being kind of the right age,” Preller said of the training that has helped him dominate the race. “But for the most part, I just ride a lot. I’m on track to do 10,000 miles this year, so I stay on top of it. I also do other racing.”

Special to the Times | Truman Begaye
Sarah Scott from Farmington won the Asaayi Bike Race for the third consecutive year. She covered the race in 53:30.

Preller said the race has become one of his favorite events because of what it brings to the community.

“I love these races,” he said. “They’re so good for the communities. You get people out here early in the morning, get some exercise, then have a feast afterward. It’s hard to beat.”

To read the full article, please see the July 30, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.

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