#RISEABOVE WITH PAST LEADVILLE CHAMPS: PART III

THE MOST IMPORTANT NUTRITION QUESTION TO ANSWER IN LEADVILLE IS…

A 100 mile race is often describes as an eating competition with exercising mixed in.  Correctly fueling your body for such a long, strenuous event is crucial to achieving your peak performance. Every athlete is different when it comes to nutrition needs, but we asked our recent winners to share their tips for crushing your nutrition plan come race day.

When do I get popsicles and potato chips? Seriously, altitude is a huge stress on the body and demands more energy and hydration than at sea level, so having your nutrition dialed and preferably practiced at altitude is key. – Devon Yanko, 2017 Leadville Trail 100 Run Champion

Finding several options for food with varying tastes and textures so that there’s still something palatable after 70 miles. – Ian Sharman, 4-Time Leadville Trail 100 Run Champion (pictured)

Fuel early and fuel often, even at 4:30am when it’s cold and dark and the last thing you want to do is squeeze a GU down your throat. – Rob Krar, 2-Time Leadville Trail 100 Run Champion

For me it’s hydration. You get caught up in the excitement in the first 2 hours and if you don’t drink during that critical period, because you are at altitude, you will pay the price big time later. I’m a huge nerd and I carry a hydration pack even though I’m a pro with people handing me bottles because it helps me drink during the hectic first two hours to stay ahead of my hydration needs. – Larissa Connors, 2-Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion

Nutrition is probably the thing that does most competitors in though. The elevation, dry air and time on the bike can wreak havoc on the stomach. The thing I hear most from people that miss their goals is stomach and nutrition related. Having a tried and true nutrition plan is second only to putting the physical work required to achieve your goal. – Todd Wells, 3-Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion (pictured)

THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT QUESTION TO ANSWER IN LEADVILLE IS…

The Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB takes no mercy on its athletes. Rugged trails and unexpected weather can hinder anyone’s race if they are not prepared. Equipment choice can be a make or break factor in the outcome of your race. We polled some of our recent champions to hear their top equipment tips for race day.

What tires do I want to run and at what pressure? I LOVE the Kenda Saber SCT tires that helped me win my last two Leadville’s because they have low rolling resistance but they are wide and at 19psi they provide extra suspension on the rocky stuff, and grip on the loose Columbine descent. The SCT sidewall is great protection against flats too so I’ve been lucky enough to never get a flat in a 100 mile race in my whole career! – Larissa Connors, 2-Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion

Bike weight and tires. A light bike and fast rolling tires are a must for a fast time at LT100 MTB. – Sally Bigham, 3-Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion (pictured)

Clothing and making sure whatever equipment you bring is in good working order. Most riders are on course for over 10 hrs and the weather changes a lot from 6 am to 6 pm. Making sure you’re prepared for rain at 11,500 ft when the temperatures can plummet to 30 degrees in the middle of the day is critical. – Todd Wells, 3-Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion