'Duffman' Bottas brews up laughs at SBT hill climb

©ThoamsMaheux

Valtteri Bottas spent the final week of his summer break in Steamboat Springs in Colorado where the Finn indulged in his love of cycling as he tackled the venue's famous gravel race.

But as a warm-up to the grueling 100-mile event, the Alfa Romeo charger took part in the Saturday evening 2.24-mile SBT Hill climb race.

Costumes are highly encouraged for the light-hearted vertical chase, so Bottas beer-ed up and donned a 'Duffman' suit in honor of Duff, Homer Simpson's beer of choice.

The Finn's accoutrement won best of show which entitled the ten-time F1 winner to his weight in beer which he promptly donated to the crowd!

And by the way, on Sunday, Val concluded SBT's main event 20 out of 1000 riders, proving that even in the world of cycling, he's a force to be reckoned with.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.