LEADVILLE, Colo. (November 13, 2019) — Two iconic events, the legendary Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB and the renowned SBT GRVL p/b Canyon, today announced the ultimate challenge of 2020: the LeadBoat Challenge, racing the Leadville Trail 100 MTB followed by SBT GRVL BLACK, two arduous endurance races taking place in the Rocky Mountains on the same weekend. Completing either of these races is an accomplishment in and of itself. To become a LeadBoat Legend, the cyclist must prepare for back-to-back events, completing a 106-mile mountain bike race less than 24 hours before beginning a 144-mile gravel race. Each race requires a different bike and a different skill set.
The partnership is indicative of the off-road cycling community’s welcoming nature, with race organizers on both ends quickly joining forces to create the ultimate challenge for athletes across disciplines, one in which they’ll reach outside of their comfort zones to discover what they are capable of. During the selection process, applications for entry into the challenge will be reviewed with credentials including riders’ motivating factors, proudest accomplishments, past experiences in ultra-endurance events and parity. As both parties continue to advocate for more equal representation on the start line in cycling events, participation in the LeadBoat challenge will be equal parts male and female.
Kimo Seymour, President of Events and Media at Life Time, spoke to the partnership by saying, “We believe that this is an incredible opportunity to offer to a few hearty, passionate souls. We collaborated with SBT GRVL and thought, ‘why not’? Two amazing events, one incredible challenge. At Life Time, we love providing great event experiences, and joining forces with SBT GRVL allows us to do that in 2020.”
Amy Charity, Partner at SBT GRVL says of the LeadBoat Challenge, “We’re excited to partner with Life Time to offer this unique challenge. LeadBoat is not just for elite cyclists, but for anyone who wants to test the limits of their endurance while tapping into different skill sets on the bike. It’s about the journey of how these athletes prepare for back-to-back races, the camaraderie among the participants and the experience of doing something that most think is not possible.”
Limited to 40 slots, but parity-dependent, any participant willing to take on the 250-mile test of endurance can apply for the LeadBoat Challenge during a one-week window beginning Nov. 18 and closing Nov. 25. Race organizers will review applications and notify all applicants of their status on Nov. 29. The cost is $700.00. Registration will be available on the LeadBoat Challenge website which is set to launch at 6 a.m. on Nov 18 at www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/2020-leadboat-challenge/.
Notable riders confirmed to participate include:
- Peter Stetina
- Laurens ten Dam
- Alison Tetrick
- Amity Rockwell
- Payson McElveen
- Lachlan Morton
- Kaysee Armstrong
- Jake Wells
- Yuri Hauswald
- Kristen Legan
- Kristi Mohn
- Gabbi Adams
Those who wish to document their experience on social media are encouraged to use the hashtag #LeadBoatChallenge. More information about the Leadville Trail 100 MTB can be found at www.leadvilleraceseries.com. For more information on SBT GRVL, visit www.sbtgrvl.com.
