If you stop in Breckenridge's Carter Park Saturday afternoon, don't be fooled by the beer tent, the live music or the vendor stands. Just because the finish area of the ninth annual Firecracker 50 mountain bike race looks like a party doesn't mean it's a walk in the park for competitors.

With a maxed-out field of 750 riders, the annual Fourth of July tradition will crown 12 national champions, as the Firecracker hosts the USA Cycling Marathon MTB National Championships for the third straight year.

The distinct prestige of the race, along with the diversity of terrain, has helped bring in many of the country's top pro riders.

Last year's men's pro/elite division winner Jeremiah Bishop is back in Breck for a repeat attempt, and he'll be challenged by 2007 champ Jay Henry, reigning Teva Mountain Games winner Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and World Cup racer Mike Broderick.

Also making an appearance is Colorado mountain biking legend and winner of the inaugural Firecracker in 2001 Dave Wiens. Wiens garnered national attention last summer while taking down seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race.

Experts perceive Heather Irmiger to be the pre-race favorite for the women, while Sari Anderson is back to defend her 2008 title.

Race director Jeff Westcott, owner of Summit County's Maverick Sports, said that just because the top names are in the field doesn't take away from the experience for amateur riders.

“This race certainly has more citizen-level riders than pros,” Westcott said. “It's getting its reputation because of all the pros, but it gets its feel from the citizens.”

The race itself has numerous divisions for various levels of riders. This even includes a relay division, where teams of two can split up the 50 miles by each taking a 25-mile lap.

The Firecracker also acts as the send-off for Breck's Independence Day parade. Racers start on Main Street, just ahead of the floats, then ride out of town and up to the trails. The racers are likely to begin at 10:55 a.m., with the first racers finishing shortly after 2:30 p.m.

The gap between the start and finish allows for spectators to enjoy the festivities at Carter Park. Westcott said the Luv Brothers will be performing and many industry reps will set up shop on the lawn as well.

The nature of the course, though difficult and rugged for racers, actually allows for great spectating opportunities, Westcott said.

“People have a great opportunity to watch the race, starting with the parade,” he said. “There are points on the course that are easily accessible either by car or bike.”

The course descriptions and maps are available at www.mavsports.com.

This year's Firecracker is the second largest in its history. Westcott isn't the least bit surprised by the turnout.

“People come back because of the level of support on the course,” he said, thanking his staff, the volunteers and sponsors for their efforts.

It also doesn't hurt that a number of the summer's top races are in close proximity to Breck and are coming up in the next few weeks.

“It's a great opportunity for people to pick and choose what to participate in,” he said, “and a lot of them have chosen to be here.”

Bryce Evans can be reached at (970) 668-4634 or at bevans@summitdaily.com.