Published August 10, 2013 04:35PM
The 20th annual Leadville Trail 100 MTB on Saturday proved to be a record-breaking affair.
Alban Lakata (Topeak-Ergon) defended his 2012 title in the men’s race, hitting the line in six hours, four minutes and one second.
Despite tacky trails and a brutal headwind on the road for the return trip, Lakata shattered the previous best time of 6:16:37, set in 2010 by Levi Leipheimer.
Last year’s runner-up, world marathon champion Christoph Sauser (Specialized), finished second once again, in 6:05:07, 1:06 off the winning time. Todd Wells (Specialized) rounded out the podium in third in 6:18:47.
In the women’s race, Sally Bigham (Topeak-Ergon) took the victory in 7:17:01, likewise destroying the mark of 7:28:06 set in 2012 by four-time champ Rebecca Rusch. It was a vindication of sorts for Bigham, who finished second to Rusch last year after being one of a number of riders briefly misdirected off the course.
Recently crowned national criterium champion Alison Powers (Herbalife24-NOW) finished second in 7:21:57, with Rusch (Specialized) third at 7:35:27.