Life Time Announces Updated Pro Qualification Requirements for 2027 Grand Prix
Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand and athletic events owner and producer, has announced an update on its Pro category across the races that make up the 2027 Life Time Grand Prix. This change is part of a wider slate of updates, heading into the Series’s sixth edition, which are designed to strengthen elite competition and further professionalize the sport.
Life Time Grand Prix Continues to Elevate Professional Off-Road Cycling
Since its debut in 2022, the Life Time Grand Prix has helped elevate the visibility of off-road cycling in the United States, bringing top athletes together in a season-long competition and creating a more prominent platform. As the sport’s profile has grown, so has the depth of competition across Life Time’s off-road events, with an increasingly talented and international field raising the bar.
New Performance-Based Pro Qualification and Eligibility Standards
To reflect this evolution, Life Time is introducing a more performance-driven Pro start vetting process across its events, establishing clearer qualification criteria and greater transparency for athletes seeking to compete at that level, whether at individual events or in the Life Time Grand Prix.
How to Qualify for the 2027 Life Time Grand Prix Pro Category
Riders can now check their eligibility before applying to the Pro start. Eligible riders will receive an LT Pro Number, which is required to compete in the Pro category across Life Time events. An LT Pro Number is also required to enter the Sea Otter Qualifier, where riders will compete for a spot on the 2027 Life Time Grand Prix roster.
Seven Open-Entry Qualifier Races Create New Pathways to Pro Status
These new performance-driven protocols will deliver:
Published Qualification Standards and Transparent Pro Eligibility
Published standards: Every cutoff time and qualifying place is posted publicly so athletes can check themselves before applying.
Automatic Pro Approval and Faster LT Pro Number Applications
Fast answers: Athletes who have raced in the Pro field previously and meet the criteria for an automatic approval will automatically receive their LT Pro number by email. All other riders will need to apply for an LT Pro number and will hear back from Life Time within seven days of application.
Seven Life Time Qualifier Events Offer Opportunities to Earn Pro Status
A way in: There are now seven Life Time open-entry qualifier races which let athletes earn Pro status on course, with no LT Pro Number required to register, as well as an additional published list of non-LT events with qualifying places considered.
New Pro Start Requirements Focus on Rider Safety at Major Events
Safety: Performance-based criteria will help ensure riders in the Pro start at major events like Life Time UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano and the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik have demonstrated the ability and experience to compete at the front of fast-paced race starts, furthering safety for the field.
Michelle Duffy, Director of the Life Time Grand Prix, said:
We love that our events bring together athletes of all ages and abilities, and create opportunities for people to challenge themselves. At the same time, mass participant events like UNBOUND and Leadville are fast and can be tightly packed, particularly at the front of the field. Establishing clear, performance-based criteria for the Pro start helps ensure riders competing at the front have demonstrated the experience and ability to race safely at that level, while providing a transparent pathway for athletes to earn their place.
Photos courtesy Life Time Grand Prix
