It is regarded as the most important mountain bike race in the USA and has long since achieved cult status: the 100-mile Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. America's best and toughest bikers start here and Lance Armstrong has also stood on the podium.
The route: a trail through the Rocky Mountains, 50 miles long. You cycle there and back the same way. The particular difficulty is the altitude. Leadville, also known as "The Two Mile High City", lies at 3094 metres, with the highest point being the so-called "Columbine Mine" at almost 3800 metres.
Never before has the race been won by a non-American. Austrian Alban Lakata from the Topeak Ergon Racing Team now wants to change that and become the first foreigner ever to triumph in Leadville in first place. In top form and fuelled by his Tansalp victory, his chances are good. He finished second last year and last year's winner is not on the start list for 2012.
Our reporter Henri Lesewitz accompanies Lakata on his hellish ride through the Rockies. After Yak Attack in Nepal and the Express Alpine Cross in two days, now his next adventure. You will soon be able to read the report in BIKE.
Further information about the race on the homepage: www.leadvilleraceseries.com
Sebastian Brust
Editor
