Professional Cycling For the Fans - Leadville 100 2009

I'm looking forward to this race this year. With Lance showing up to contest the race in much better condition. He seems to be the favorite this year. But I have a few observations.

It seems unlikely that Wiens would have the time to put into training since he is basically a retired and working ex-bike racer. Lance has been training 5-7 hours a day probably 6 days a week for the last year. And it is rumored that Lance is planning to bring a lot of fast roadies with him to try and set a really fast pace. They want to do the race in around 6 hours which will be cutting 45 minutes off from the fastest course record.

This seems unrealistic to me since most fit racers finish in 7-10 hours. But Wiens says that it is possible since the first 45 miles is usually ridden at a moderate pace before the big hills start.

One thing that I think Wiens has an advantage with is that even though he has probably not had the same amount of time to train, he has spend more of his time on dirt trails on a 22-24 pound mountain bike. I have to wonder how much of a difference this makes when you see that Lances training has been pretty much all on the road on a 15-16 pound road bike. Although, I'm sure Lance will have at least 2-3 weeks of mountain bike training before the race. How much time off he took after the TDF would be interesting to know. I'm sure that he took at least three days off doing nothing. Then maybe three or four more days doing light spinning for an hour or two.

Another thing to consider for Wiens is the nature of mountain bike training. In off road riding there is more variation of tempo, seat position, wattage output, cadence, etc. Modern sports science has found that this kind of varied training effect has a greater potential to create high levels of fitness because the body adapts so fast to the same routine. Of course, this is why even the pro roadies do different kinds of pedaling cadences and tempos. But I have to think that in the end, putting in the same amount of time on the mountain bike would bring greater levels of fitness. So more can be accomplished in less time.

Never heard of it. Where and when and what's the UCI catagory?

I'm looking forward to this race this year. With Lance showing up to contest the race in much better condition. He seems to be the favorite this year. But I have a few observations.

It seems unlikely that Wiens would have the time to put into training since he is basically a retired and working ex-bike racer. Lance has been training 5-7 hours a day probably 6 days a week for the last year. And it is rumored that Lance is planning to bring a lot of fast roadies with him to try and set a really fast pace. They want to do the race in around 6 hours which will be cutting 45 minutes off from the fastest course record.

This seems unrealistic to me since most fit racers finish in 7-10 hours. But Wiens says that it is possible since the first 45 miles is usually ridden at a moderate pace before the big hills start.

One thing that I think Wiens has an advantage with is that even though he has probably not had the same amount of time to train, he has spend more of his time on dirt trails on a 22-24 pound mountain bike. I have to wonder how much of a difference this makes when you see that Lances training has been pretty much all on the road on a 15-16 pound road bike. Although, I'm sure Lance will have at least 2-3 weeks of mountain bike training before the race. How much time off he took after the TDF would be interesting to know. I'm sure that he took at least three days off doing nothing. Then maybe three or four more days doing light spinning for an hour or two.

Another thing to consider for Wiens is the nature of mountain bike training. In off road riding there is more variation of tempo, seat position, wattage output, cadence, etc. Modern sports science has found that this kind of varied training effect has a greater potential to create high levels of fitness because the body adapts so fast to the same routine. Of course, this is why even the pro roadies do different kinds of pedaling cadences and tempos. But I have to think that in the end, putting in the same amount of time on the mountain bike would bring greater levels of fitness. So more can be accomplished in less time.

Lance came in 2nd last year, with less fitness. He is no newcomer to riding mountain bikes. Taking 45 minutes off the best time is a tall task. I guess if they can get a good paceline going that will be helpful. I wonder if all the Lance haters will show up to mock him?

Never heard of it. Where and when and what's the UCI catagory?

It is a high altitude single day off road race in the Rocky mountains of Colorado with a lot of climbing.

I don't think that it is a UCI race. It might be on the NORBA circuit. But I'm not exactly sure what the status of the race is. It's a race with a pretty long local tradition. It appeals to some road racers because it's is a more endurance oriented course rather than being a pure technical mountain bike race. But it does have a couple of technical sections that are really steep.

Until Lance can beat Dave Wiens at this race he can't really claim that he is the best cyclist in the USA. But Wiens is about 6-7 years older than Lance and not in his prime. Also, Wiens cannot train full time. Last year Wiens beat Lance by about 2 minutes. Both shattering the course record. Lance was in good overall body condition (compared to average people), but he was not anywhere near his top cycling form at that time.

This year Lance is 15-20 pounds lighter and is coming off the Giro and TDF so he will be in or close to his peak fitness for this season.

Hezz keep in mind Laggard knows nothing about bike racing.

Richard

He he hook line and sinker.


It is a high altitude single day off road race in the Rocky mountains of Colorado with a lot of climbing.

I don't think that it is a UCI race. It might be on the NORBA circuit. But I'm not exactly sure what the status of the race is. It's a race with a pretty long local tradition. It appeals to some road racers because it's is a more endurance oriented course rather than being a pure technical mountain bike race. But it does have a couple of technical sections that are really steep.

Until Lance can beat Dave Wiens at this race he can't really claim that he is the best cyclist in the USA. But Wiens is about 6-7 years older than Lance and not in his prime. Also, Wiens cannot train full time. Last year Wiens beat Lance by about 2 minutes. Both shattering the course record. Lance was in good overall body condition (compared to average people), but he was not anywhere near his top cycling form at that time.

This year Lance is 15-20 pounds lighter and is coming off the Giro and TDF so he will be in or close to his peak fitness for this season.

I will be going to this, going to bring the mtb as well. Nice to see Lance bring the all around game, and help give mountain biking some much deserved exposure. Be nice if Versus covered the race so I wouldn't have to drive down so far :P.

Leadvill is probably tougher than any single stage in the TDF...I mean if Lance has to get off the bike to climb, you know it's tough.

LA just won a MTB race in Colorado, as preparation.

Leadvill is probably tougher than any single stage in the TDF...I mean if Lance has to get off the bike to climb, you know it's tough.

Why do I doubt this.

Why do I doubt this.

Because you know nothing about it?

:innocent:

I will be going to this, going to bring the mtb as well. Nice to see Lance bring the all around game, and help give mountain biking some much deserved exposure. Be nice if Versus covered the race so I wouldn't have to drive down so far :P.

Leadvill is probably tougher than any single stage in the TDF...I mean if Lance has to get off the bike to climb, you know it's tough.

I heard rumors somewhere that there was going to be a motorcycle camera and that someone is going to broadcast the race. Maybe Versus or Universal. I hope that this is true.

Pace lines in a MTB race, has even been done before?

Unlike Contador who is one dimensional, Lance can swim, run, mountain bike, and speak more than one language!:)

LA just won a MTB race in Colorado, as preparation.

But at what altitude was that race at?

I used to have an officemate that ran high school cross country out of Colorado Springs-Leadville was in the same high school conference. He recounted that noone could ever beat the Leadville cross country team when they were hosting a home meet.

Pace lines in a MTB race, has even been done before?

all the time, really common actually.

the 100 mile type single day events usually have sections of singletrack followed by sections of fireroad /class 2 type forest roads connecting the singletrack sections.

The Leadville course even has less singletrack than most 100 mile MTB races as most of the brutality comes from the altitude and the climbing.

If you can get in a nice group on the fireroad sections it really speeds the time up dramatically.

LA just won a MTB race in Colorado, as preparation.
But at what altitude was that race at?


It was in Snowmass (i.e. Aspen) More or less the same elevation; not far away. Much shorter race though.

Lance seems like the clear favorite this year; but there's no way 6 hours.

It's difficult to compare difficulty. If you're riding up Mt Ventoux you're expending every bit of energy and fitness you have. The same goes for something like this. People in these sorts of races don't leave much in reserves, so I'd say they're about the same. They may be different sorts of races, but the end effort is probably about the same.

Wiens won last year with Lance back after only a few weeks. I'd say Lance is the favorite, but if he's using a team for the first stretch, he won't be able to once it starts getting rough. 45 minutes is a lot. I think it's a psych job... I think 15 minutes is quite possible, but I highly doubt 45.

Unlike Contador who is one dimensional, Lance can swim, run, mountain bike, and speak more than one language!:)

You left a critical one out. Lance can also finish 3rd. :D :p :innocent:

You left a critical one out. Lance can also finish 3rd. :D :p :innocent:

When he's 37, Contador won't. He'll be off-podium before he's 33, I predict, possibly sooner. I give him another 3 years, 4 at the most and he'll be off-podium.

Evans was a good MTBiker in his day?

You left a critical one out. Lance can also finish 3rd. :D :p :innocent:

Will Contador be finishing 3rd in the TDF at age 37? Has he tackled mountain bike races or tri's??

Has he even dated outside his family?????:lol:

When he's 37, Contador won't. He'll be off-podium before he's 33, I predict, possibly sooner. I give him another 3 years, 4 at the most and he'll be off-podium.

You know this for sure, huh.

You know this for sure, huh.

Look up predict in the dictionary.

When he's 37, Contador won't. He'll be off-podium before he's 33, I predict, possibly sooner. I give him another 3 years, 4 at the most and he'll be off-podium.

Maye I should have used 7 more smileys. :twitchy:

note to self - beware making tongue-in-cheek comments in Professional Cycling.

Unlike Contador who is one dimensional, Lance can swim, run, mountain bike, and speak more than one language!:)

Why do you guys insist upon crapping up every thread in this forum. Leadville has nothing to do with AC. NOTHING. Go back to the AC/LA threads with this drivel.

Hezz, thanks for starting an interesting thread. I enjoyed it for about one post.

Look up predict in the dictionary.

And what is your reasoning behind this prediction?

And what is your reasoning behind this prediction?

What prediction?

What prediction?

This, I presume, though Proteos said it: "When he's 37, Contador won't. He'll be off-podium before he's 33, I predict, possibly sooner. I give him another 3 years, 4 at the most and he'll be off-podium."

Let's drop that in this thread. Start a new one if you think it's worthy.

Lance is in much better shape than when he did this race last year. I have to agree that he is the favorite. According to the leadville website there is a live feed on race day for $5.95. http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/

So who is this Weins guy? Is he a big name in mountain biking, or is this the one race he really does?

So who is this Weins guy? Is he a big name in mountain biking, or is this the one race he really does?

He is a big name in mountain biking. More notably, he was decades ago. He is 45. These days, he does some other races, but this is the one race he utterly dominates. He has won it six years in a row, including recent victories over Landis and Armstrong.

I predict Armstrong wins; but not without drama.

Let's drop that {AC\LA** in this thread. Start a new one if you think it's worthy.


Agree, lets also keep the personal sniping out please.

It's difficult to compare difficulty. If you're riding up Mt Ventoux you're expending every bit of energy and fitness you have. The same goes for something like this. People in these sorts of races don't leave much in reserves, so I'd say they're about the same. They may be different sorts of races, but the end effort is probably about the same.

Wiens won last year with Lance back after only a few weeks. I'd say Lance is the favorite, but if he's using a team for the first stretch, he won't be able to once it starts getting rough. 45 minutes is a lot. I think it's a psych job... I think 15 minutes is quite possible, but I highly doubt 45.

True but if you ever been mtbing you realize your body takes much more punishment due to the terrain.

I won't argue TDF as a whole is tougher then Leadville, but I will still argue that Leadville is tougher than any single stage in the tour.

Have you ridden both at race pace? Hard to say without doing that.

Richard


True but if you ever been mtbing you realize your body takes much more punishment due to the terrain.

I won't argue TDF as a whole is tougher then Leadville, but I will still argue that Leadville is tougher than any single stage in the tour.

Well I've never played ping pong at Olympic pace either, but I could probably still conclude that Leadville is physically harder than Olympic ping pong. I mean, let's be realistic, mountain biking overall is tougher than road biking..
- Denis

He is a big name in mountain biking. More notably, he was decades ago. He is 45. These days, he does some other races, but this is the one race he utterly dominates. He has won it six years in a row, including recent victories over Landis and Armstrong.

I predict Armstrong wins; but not without drama.

Not only has he won it six years in a row, but Landis and Armstrong are the only guys to even come close to him in this race. Many top pro mountain bike racers have not even finished within 15-30 minutes of Wiens best times.

This race typically takes about an hour longer for the fastest guys to finish than the big multi-mountain TDF stages. So I'm tempted to think that it is a little bit tougher than the biggest mountain stages of the TDF if you are going to be riding it at a world class pace. I'm really curious to see how close to six hours they can get. It took several years for anyone to break the 7 hour time mark.

I won't argue TDF as a whole is tougher then Leadville, but I will still argue that Leadville is tougher than any single stage in the tour.

What years tour?

What years tour?

Pick one. Any one.

Not only has he won it six years in a row, but Landis and Armstrong are the only guys to even come close to him in this race. Many top pro mountain bike racers have not even finished within 15-30 minutes of Wiens best times.

This race typically takes about an hour longer for the fastest guys to finish than the big multi-mountain TDF stages. So I'm tempted to think that it is a little bit tougher than the biggest mountain stages of the TDF if you are going to be riding it at a world class pace. I'm really curious to see how close to six hours they can get. It took several years for anyone to break the 7 hour time mark.

Well it's going to be interesting to see both Levi and Lance in this. I assume it's everyone for himself, but will Levi be out there to help Lance?

My opinion that Leadville, being a tough MB course beats up and jars the body more than any stage in the TdF. I don't see anyone questioning that. However, you can't really say energy expended (ie, tough), is any more than a TdF stage. Sure, the TdF stages are on smooth roads, but I also haven't heard of too many MB'ers biking for 3 weeks and then on the final stage ride along easily for 4 hours and then maintain 30 mph for the last hour of a 3 week race. I'm not saying Leadville as a single-stage MB race is an easy race, or that it doesn't beat you up, I'm just saying energy expended isn't going to be any more than a strong TdF stage... any tough TdF stage.

The plus on this Leadville race, I think it's getting far more interest this year in general. I admit I'm not a year-round following of the race, but the name has been popping up far more this year, it seems. Exposure like that is healthy I think for the sport.

Let's push the Levi/LA/Weins stuff to the side for a bit.
Now that the race has garnered more attention, will the current mountain bike stars start to contest it?
Or is it considered a non-MTB race and more of a lungs test?

I think it's a good combination of both. It's a little long for normal MB'ers and a little rough and tough for normal roaders.

So Wiens concentrates on Leadville the same way LA concentrated on the TdF?

You guys realize there are some professional road races going on soon?

Tour of Ireland, Benelux, and that little thing in Spain?

Wiens is the man!

You guys realize there are some professional road races going on soon?

Tour of Ireland, Benelux, and that little thing in Spain?

You mean there's racing after the TDF?

Good to see Ballan finally win something.

Is Levi still going to ride Leadville? I would think being on a MTB in that terrain for 6 hours would be terribly bad for his wrist so soon after he broke it?

Is Levi still going to ride Leadville? I would think being on a MTB in that terrain for 6 hours would be terribly bad for his wrist so soon after he broke it?


He's not on the start list as of today.

Does anyone know if this is going to be televised? I know you can purchase a ticket to view it via the Leadville website for 6 dollars, but why not wait and watch it HD a bit later.