Leadville 100 MTB Results

One of the most challenging mountain bike races on the planet took place this past weekend in Colorado, where the Leadville 100 MTB tested riders from around the globe. The event, which is now in its 19th year, features a 100 mile long (160km ), out-and-back, course that includes more than 14,000 feet (4267 meters) of climbing at altitude.

The winner of this year's race was Austrian Alban Lakata who finished with a time of 6 hours, 32 minutes and 24 seconds. That put him two minutes ahead of second place finisher Christoph Sauser of Switzerland. The two men battled back and fourth much of the race, with Lakata taking it in the home stretch. American Jeremiah Bishop finished third approximately nine and a half minutes off the pace.

On the woman's side of leaderboard it was a familiar name taking top honors. Rebecca Rusch, the Queen of Pain herself, won the race for a fourth time. She also set a new course record, finishing in 7 hours, 28 minutes, 6 seconds. U.K. rider Sally Bigham (7:34:33) took second with Pua Mata (7:38:03) claiming third.

The course, which begins in downtown Leadville at an altitude of 10,200 feet (3109 meters), climbs as high as 12,424 feet (3787 meters) over the length of the ride. Apparently there was some confusion this year over the correct route to follow which cost several riders, including Bigham and Mata, extra minutes. Flags that typically denote which direction to go were placed in odd locations that caused some of the competitors to ride in the wrong direction. Hopefully that won't be an issue next year.

Congrats to not only to those that stood on the podium but everyone who rode in the race. Leadville is a tough event to say the least and simply completing it is quite an accomplishment.

Next up, the Leadville 100 Trail Run this coming weekend.

New Television Series, Crushing Hope, Follows Ultrarunner Competing In Leadville 100

The Leadville Trail Run is one of the toughest races in North America. Covering more than 100 miles (160km) and ranging in elevation between 9200 and 12,600 feet (2804 - 3840 meters) it is a pure test of endurance and determination.

This year, two-time Olympian Michael Aish will test his mettle in the legendary "Race Across the Sky." After spending much of his career competing at the 5000 and 10,000 meter distances, this will be his first ultra-run and he plans on winning it. GoDu Productions, the same folks that brought us the awesome Ski The Himalayas series, are documenting Aish's preparation and Leadville run. They're producing a series entitled Crushing Hope which will consist of eight half hour long episodes for broadcast television. You'll find a fantastic trailer for the show below.

Incidentally, the title refers to Hope Pass, the highpoint of the Leadville 100, which the runners must pass through at both the 45 and 55 mile point in the run.

Can't wait to see this!

Crushing Hope Trailer from Godu Productions on Vimeo.