TD Rider Profile: Josh Kato

Josh Kato, 44 years of age from Washington State.

Setting out for my 5th Tour Divide start and what I hope to by my 3rd finish. (Editor: Josh holds two of the top ten times, winning in 2015 in 14:11:37 and coming second in 2017 in 15:07:36)

For me the Divide has always embodied my ideal race. Do it fast, do it alone and do it with honor.

For this race I have gone for my titanium Salsa Fargo drop-bar mountain bike. I have personally built up this frame to suit my preferences in an ultra-bike. Shimano XTR 3x10 drivetrain controlled by bar-end shifters (which I prefer to run in non-indexed mode), Lauf TR Boost fork and mechanical disc brakes. My waterproof bags are provided by Apidura and include a custom frame bag.

I look forward to heading down the Divide again in what I consider to be the most classic of the self-supported ultra-races.

Josh is on Instagram at: joshkatobike