Nicknamed the "Race Across the Sky," the Leadville Trail 100 MTB is one of the world's most renowned endurance mountain bike races. Its playground: Leadville, in Colorado, one of the highest cities in the United States. Here, the enemy isn't just the distance—it's the altitude.
What Makes It Extraordinary
- 100 miles (160 km) out-and-back on trails and single-track, with substantial elevation gain.
- Extreme altitude: the course stays above 3,000 m (10,000 ft), reaching Columbine peak around 3,800 m (12,500 ft). The air is thin, and the effort is magnified.
- Columbine Wall: the major climb in the heart of the race, which breaks many dreams.
- A legendary goal: finishing within the time cutoff is the dream of many endurance riders.
How to Prepare
- Altitude acclimatization is decisive: arriving early to adjust to the thinner air often makes all the difference.
- Mechanics: a reliable mountain bike, tires suited to rocky terrain, and self-sufficiency for repairs far from help.
- Effort management: starting too hard at altitude takes its toll on the second half.
