Race details and current Life Time Grand Prix standings ahead of ‘The Race Across the Sky’ on Saturday, August 10th
The Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda returns on Saturday, August 10th with the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik.
The renowned Colorado event – also known as the Race Across the Sky – is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and once again drawing participants from around the world. Long regarded as the ultimate test of grit, guts and determination, the event starts and finishes in the heart of historic Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America at 10,152 feet.
Along the way riders will amass 12,480 feet of elevation over 100 grueling miles and traverse some of the most stunning scenery in the country, taking in the rocky terrain of Powerline and breathtaking views from the summit of Columbine Mine, which peaks at 12,516 feet.
New for 2024, the route will also head through Outward Bound property at mile 24.8, adding 1.2 miles of single track before rejoining with the traditional route.
The riders must contend with the effects of altitude, as well as each other, as they push themselves to their limits in one of the most prestigious cross-country MTB races in the world.
With Crusher in the Tushar unfortunately canceled due to forest fires, both the men’s and women’s competitions remain tantalizingly poised heading into Leadville with Haley Smith the new leader of the women’s competition on account of her being the highest-placed Life Time Grand Prix finisher at UNBOUND Gravel 200 (in fourth position). Sofia Gomez Villafane, who finished 15th at UNBOUND, sits just four points behind her in the overall standings and will be aiming to narrow the lead in Colorado after her incredible solo triumph here last year.
In the men’s competition, Keegan Swenson leads Payson McElveen by a single point and his confidence will be high given he’s won the three most recent editions of this race in stunning style. Matthew Beers sits just two points further behind in third with Lachlan Morton up fourth position after his incredible success at UNBOUND.
Following the cancellation of Crusher in the Tushar, the Life Time Grand Prix is now following a best four out of six format, allowing athletes to count their top four performances out of the six scheduled events.
For the first time ever at Leadville, both the elite men’s and women’s races have separate start times. The elite men will get going at 6:15am with the women commencing at 6:20am. The first amateur riders will then start 12 and a half minutes after the elite women, creating additional separation between the two fields.
Full start lists for both the elite men’s and women’s races will be announced soon.
You can watch extended highlights from the opening two rounds of the 2024 Life Time Grand Prix, and recaps of the last two editions of Leadville, on the official Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel.
Kimo Seymour, Life Time President Media & Events, said: “After the difficult decision to cancel Crusher in the Tushar due to the devastating forest fires in Piute County, we’re looking forward to seeing the Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda make its return at the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik.
“This is the granddaddy of all endurance MTB events and we’re excited to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. It is a race like no other, taking place at altitudes that will push the riders to their absolute limits.
“With the updated best four of six format for the Life Time Grand Prix, Leadville is sure to bring even steeper competition. For the first time since the start of the 2023 season we have a new female leader in Haley Smith, and the top three men are split by just three points. We’re super excited to see how the races will play out.”
GET INVOLVED
In addition to the pros, hundreds of amateurs will tackle the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, testing themselves against the world’s best riders to earn a coveted Leadville silver or gold belt buckle. Complementing the race is the free, outdoor and open-to-the-public Race Across the Sky Expo is taking place on Thursday and Friday, 8-9 August, in downtown Leadville with a wide variety of vendors showcasing the latest and greatest cycling products whilst also providing a taste of that Cloud City magic. From free swag and product demos to live podcasts and beer tents, the Expo offers the perfect complement to the action.
The Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik is the third of six coveted MTB and gravel events across the US which make up the Life Time Grand Prix. Sixty of the world’s best off-road endurance cyclists (30 men and 30 women) have been selected to battle it out for a record $300,000 prize purse, which will be split equally among the male and female athletes.
Photos by Life Time
