[Event] Leadville 100 2020

[Dubber]

Event Name: Leadville 100 2020
When: 15 August 2020
Where: Leadville, Colorado, International
Category: MTB

This is it, the race of all races. One hundred miles across the high-altitude, extreme terrain of the Colorado Rockies, this event was created for only the most determined athletes. Starting at 10,152 feet and climbing to 12,424 feet, you’ll be challenged to catch your breath — while the views try to take it away.

Go to Event Page

[milky4130]

Event Name: Leadville 100 2020

When: 15 August 2020

Where: Leadville, Colorado, International

Category: MTB

 

This is it, the race of all races. One hundred miles across the high-altitude, extreme terrain of the Colorado Rockies, this event was created for only the most determined athletes. Starting at 10,152 feet and climbing to 12,424 feet, you’ll be challenged to catch your breath — while the views try to take it away.

 

Go to Event Page

 

In my bucket, would like to do it the next 3-5 years when kids are a little bit older.

[BMCfan]

In my bucket, would like to do it the next 3-5 years when kids are a little bit older.

Would also like to do it, strangely.

 

Was wondering how it compare to say, something like Attakwas

[milky4130]

Would also like to do it, strangely.

 

Was wondering how it compare to say, something like Attakwas

I dont think it can compare its 45kms longer and it starts at 3000m Above Sea Level and climbs to about 3700m ASL.

[milky4130]

[BMCfan]

I dont think it can compare its 45kms longer and it starts at 3000m Above Sea Level and climbs to about 3700m ASL.

 

 

:-)

 

Ek weet darem die verskil tussen n 100miler en attakwas is 40km, ek bedoel terrein ens...

 

Waarmee sou jy die Leadville vergelyk?

[milky4130]

:-)

 

Ek weet darem die verskil tussen n 100miler en attakwas is 40km, ek bedoel terrein ens...

 

Waarmee sou jy die Leadville vergelyk?

hahaha jammer. I'm guessing from the description and from pics I've seen probably K2C and parts of Attakwas. "Majority is on forest trails with some mountain roads"

[milky4130]

https://youtu.be/0vbh-309FTY?list=PLn7jYTH0BwQGHy-x2TVGjIXIDIqU7Eb8w

[dave303e]

and the real race at leadville is the trail run... 

['Dale]

One word

 

Altitude 

[gerriemtb]

One word

 

Altitude 

It is easier at altitude because the wind resistance is less

[lechatnoir]

Would also like to do it, strangely.

 

Was wondering how it compare to say, something like Attakwas

 

Have a look at the Rapha YT channel on the the story of the EF riders that did it - it's a fascinating watch. as others have said, altitude is where it's special... If it's climbing over 3700m, well, that's higher than any point in SA, and believe me, when you're huffing and puffing up a 10% grade, it'll seem pretty hard.

[Dubber]

I've managed to secure an entry for this year - not sure if that is a good or a bad thing :-)

 

For those considering doing it in the coming years, here is a little background:

 

The majority of entries is via a lottery system.  Generally opens December before the race and close early Jan - 'winners' announced mid to end of Jan.  Thus giving you around 7 months to get your affairs in order.

There are a few other options to get an entry:  there are qualifying races throughout the year.  You need to place in the top percentile to earn an entry.   There are also a few lucky draws for entrants of these qualifying events - but the odds of 'winning' a lucky draw entry is a lot less than the overall lottery.  

And finally, you can sign up to a Leadville organized training camp.  I think it is around 4 or 5 days in July.  Along with the training camp comes a Leadville entry - but cost is high - around $2200 I think.  

 

Should you win a lottery entry, your bank account will be debited on the spot - $450 entry fee.

 

As for the race itself:  by all accounts there are very few technical sections.  In fact, the race has been completed on a cyclocross / gravel bike by some.  There are a couple long climbs (an hour plus in duration), heat is generally a factor and of course altitude.

 

I ski in that region fairly often and can attest to the fact that breathing isn't easy.  (Try take a liqui-fruit straw, stick it in your mouth, close your nose and do a few intervals to get the feeling :-)  

 

I'll add some more info as I get it 

[Markellis]

I was actually listening to a trainerroad podcast about it last night.

 

Definitely on the list...when I'm 20kgs lighter and much much fitter

[Frosty]

I've listened to a few podcasts, and a few YT videos where the guys on WT road teams are migrating to the Gravel scene. Leadville 100 is on their agendas, for those that didn't do it last year. But they're at the pointy end of the field... gunning for a top 10.

[Dubber]

So the plot thickens.  

As mentioned above, the only real way to get into this event is via lottery. And by all accounts (and their own admission) the organizers stuffed up the lotto process big time this year.  In short, they sent out a bunch of 'yes's that should have been no's.

 

The organizers haven't said how may extra yes's they sent out - but I haven't heard of anyone actually getting a 'no'.  So that makes me think everyone got in.

 

 

Anyway, because they are now way over subscribed, they are offering deferrals to next year.  And to sweeten the deal they are willing to chuck in a free entry into any one of their other events through out the year.  

 

While the free event is cool (around $150 to $200 depending on the event), the real bonus is that these events act as seeding event for Leadville.  As it stands I would be starting right at the back if I rode in 2020.  This would in turn make a long day into a really long day.  

 

So at this point I'm considering the deferral, riding a seeding event and then doing Leadville in 2021.  

 

So if anyone is thinking about 2021, I've got a spare room in the basement ;-)  Just remember to pack your lungs...