How Does Pacing Impact Performance in the Leadville Trail 100?

Question

What makes the pacing important on Leadville Trail 100 race?

Answer 1

Pacing is key in the Leadville Trail 100 considering the altitude and long distance it offers. Starting too fast will most likely result in ineffectiveness and high rates of fatigue. Regardless of the distance, with proper pacing, however, racers will be able to keep up their steady effort during the race and not suffer an early catastrophic slump.

Comments

Crazy how backloaded the lifetime grand prix is with three races still to go in mid-september. I would argue that cycling interest probably peaks in mid-summer and the races should be closer together but it's probably hard to change the dates of such long-standing races. Would love content from you talking about potential changes to the format of the LTGP. They need to introduce some more intrigue because maybe it's getting a bit stale. Maybe they need a leaders jersey or some other jerseys (KOM, white) to win like the TDF.

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Only rode the LT MTB once, but ran the 100 three times. Pacing really matters at that altitude! My best run I was in about 65th place 25 miles in and 50th place by mile 50. By the time I finished I was 17th place

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One, you're a beast and I love your content. Two, you pulled for huge chunks of the race and seem to wonder why your time was slower. Pacing is great but not at the very beginning. Get on fast wheels early and sit. Coming back in a race this long is not a thing. No? Also, I suck as a cyclist so this is 100% an armchair judgement LOL. Great content!!!!

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This pacing issue is important. My life experience has shown me that whatever time I go over my proper pace I’ll lose double on the back end. So I’m delighted to see that your data confirms that. I also feel that if I’ve selected a pace that’s a bit too slow for the first half ‘should’ give me great legs for the second half and a way more enjoyable race as opposed to the usual death march.

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Keegan breaks that record without the flat

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I think you've lost most time on your climbs, probably look at your hill repeat sessions?....good pacing technics knowing your optimal outputs is smart racing.

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Dylan, thanks for the great content. What I do not comprehend is that a rider of your level, makes the mistake that pretty much all riders make and goes out at 300w in a race of this length. I do not know how this relates to your weight, but a race this long cannot be done at threshold, just because you are used to racing in this zone! Where are your heart rates in the climb? With a little more race planning you can do top 10* and it will not require drop bars even.

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That motivational thing about digging deep…. Does it inspire anyone??‍♂️