I’ve seen races that test your legs. But Leadville? This one tests your soul. There’s something about the cold bite of mountain air at over 10,000 feet, the smell of dirt and pine, the quiet hum before the starting gun. It’s not just a race; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who’s ever believed in pushing past their limits. And in 2025, that feeling is alive as ever.
A Race That Redefines Tough
Since its debut in 1994, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB has carved its place as one of the most grueling and respected mountain bike races in the world. The 105.3-mile out-and-back route climbs over 12,000 feet, with its crown jewel—the Columbine Mine turnaround—testing lungs and legs in equal measure.
This year, it’s the third stop in the Life Time Grand Prix, where elite gravel and mountain bike pros chase a share of the $380,000 prize purse. But it’s not just the pros. Riders like Avon’s Chris Caruso, a self-proclaimed “weekend warrior,” are here to prove something—to themselves, to their families, to the mountains. “I’m an average working dad who loves the bikes and outdoors and wants to go do something hard,” he told me. That’s the magic of Leadville—you don’t need to be famous to feel legendary.
Stories That Stay With You
Caruso earned his shot through the lottery after his first-ever mountain bike race, the 2024 Silver Rush 50. He’s aiming for under nine hours, but more than that, he wants to set an example for his daughter: with dedication, hard work, and support, any summit is possible.
Then there’s Michael Dorr, who in 2024 somehow fit the Boston Marathon, Unbound Gravel 100, and a series of epic MTB races into one jaw-dropping calendar year. And the Grubers—Ron and his son Robby—who will ride side by side for the first time this year. Ron’s been here eight times before, but this one? “I have dreamed about doing this race together; that dream will come true tomorrow,” he said. You can almost feel the lump in his throat.
Pro Bikes, Personal Touches
Among the elite field, bikes are as much a part of the drama as the riders. Cameron Jones, the Unbound Gravel 200 winner, is bringing one of the lightest and most aggressive setups in the race—a Scott Spark RC SL with a hardtail build that’s made for climbing like a mountain goat.
This machine’s top-tier carbon frame weighs just 850 grams (medium size), and even though Jones rides a large, it’s still absurdly light. Paired with Syncros Silverton SL wheels at a claimed 1,255 grams, Schwalbe Rick XC 2.4-inch tires, and a rigid post, it’s built for speed on steep ascents. The Fox 32 Step-Cast 100 mm fork ensures precise control, while the Shimano M9200 XTR Di2 drivetrain delivers flawless shifting under pressure.
Jones runs shorter 165 mm cranks with a 4iiii power meter on the left arm and Shimano Dura-Ace road pedals—proof he doesn’t plan to waste a second walking. The cockpit is all business: a Syncros one-piece handlebar/stem with an extreme -40° pitch and a tight 700 mm width, giving him an aero edge without sacrificing control.
Leadville’s Unshakable Spirit
Whether it’s custom bike builds or riders chasing personal dreams, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB 2025 is more than a race—it’s a living story of grit, gear, and glory. And as the riders line up under the thin Colorado sky, you can bet that every heartbeat on that start line is echoing the same thought: today, I leave nothing behind.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and storytelling purposes, celebrating the riders, machines, and culture of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB 2025.
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