Through The Lens at Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB

Nearly 2000 registered athletes took the stage for the 30th anniversary of the epic bike race through the high elevation of the Colorado Rockies. With over 12,000 feet of elevation gain, getting to the peak of 12,600, athletes learn really quickly if they have pushed themselves too hard going up Columbine.

The racers from 27 countries were greeted with nearly perfect weather on the day. Cloud cover early in the morning kept the early morning chill away, just long enough for the sun to come out and burn off the morning fog hanging around the first 20 miles of the course. And with light rain almost every day from the week prior, the dirt was nice and sticky for almost every tire choice athlete made.

Smiles at the start seemed to give athletes a break from the pre-race nerves. Hannah Otto and Sofia Gomez Villiafane were all smiles and fist bumps.

We caught up with Sir Willie. He was enjoying a lazy morning while Dad Alexey was out suffering.

Michaela Thompson, at mile 70ish. She would end up 3rd on the day.

Keegan Swenson added another feather in his cap with a dominating win, with a margin of victory of over 15 minutes.

From drop bars to fork holding, we are starting to see all the new tricks in aero savings.

Women's champion Melisa Rollins would later talk about how she didn't even know she had won until just before the red carpet.

Unbound winner Lachlan Morton would end up finishing 4th on the day, just out sprinting 5th place Payson McEleveen by 3 seconds.

Of course, it wouldn't be a day for us without seeing triathlon legend Heather Jackson. She continues her pursuit of dirt glory

The drop bars seemed to be a good choice for the tight sections at the bottom of Columbine.

Fellow Journalist Ben Delaney was on site getting one of the Shimano Reps to explain some of the feed station strategies.

Life Time is doubling down on the self-produced content side of the series. If you are planning on showing up with a drone, make sure you have a license and keep it low.

Shimano providing neutral support at the event.

The family cheering squads were out in force all day

Lisa Becharas from the Real Triathlon Squad was one of many current professional triathletes representing the endurance community.

I think Sofia might be telling Michaela where she made her move, or she could be super proud of her.

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