Keegan Swenson won the Leadville 100 MTB for a sixth consecutive time. This victory looked unlike his previous rides in Colorado.
In 2025, Swenson won by 15 minutes. In 2026, he won by 15 inches after a sprint against Matthew Wilson.
The historic high-altitude race ran on a changed course because of significant wildfire impacts. Riders lost months of course reconnaissance overnight, with some sections unfamiliar on race day.
The reroute also changed the tactical balance. More than 2,500 feet of climbing disappeared, including key climbs such as Powerline.
The 102-mile course still started at 10,000 feet. It still climbed above 12,300 feet at Columbine, the race’s defining ascent.
Leadville 100 MTB course creates a different race
Leadville usually rewards Swenson’s steady pressure on long climbs. The marathon MTB world champion often distances rivals before the finale.
This year, less climbing and extra pavement produced faster groups and more tactical racing. The route included fewer than 10,000 feet of climbing.
The first selection came early on St Kevin’s road, just eight miles into the race. Around 20 riders went clear on the eight-minute ascent.
Swenson made that front group alongside Quinn Simmons, Simon Pellaud, and Matthew Wilson. Simmons started as a notable guest for Lidl-Trek after racing the Tour de France.
Simmons held nearly 450 watts for eight minutes, with his heart rate around 180 beats per minute. At Leadville’s altitude, that effort carried a different cost.
Race conditions also added stress. Temperatures sat around 40°F early, and Swenson said he nearly froze after descending St Kevin’s.
The race then settled before Columbine. The long climb remained the clear turning point, despite the revised route.
Swenson pressures rivals on Columbine
Columbine stretches 12 kilometers at an average gradient of 8%. The summit rises above 12,300 feet before riders descend the same trail.
Swenson, Simmons, and Wilson entered the climb among the key contenders. Simmons initially stayed glued to Swenson’s wheel.
Then the altitude and pace took hold. Simmons’ power dropped from 400 watts to 300 watts as the climb continued.
Swenson kept climbing on the front. Soon, only Wilson could remain close to him.
Wilson produced the ride of his race, cresting Columbine only 20 seconds behind Swenson. He also held nearly a minute over the nearest chasers.
In the women’s race, Melisa Rollins made her decisive statement on the same climb. The U.S. national MTB champion climbed Columbine in 58 minutes and 30 seconds.
According to Strava, that time ranked 19th fastest overall in 2026. It beat the times of Matt Beers, Lachlan Morton, and Alexey Vermeulen.
Wilson forces a rare Leadville finale
In past editions, Swenson often rode alone from Columbine to the finish. His gaps sometimes shifted attention toward the course record.
This time, the race came back together. After about 20 minutes of descending, a strong chase formed behind Swenson.
Wilson joined Bradyn Lange, John Gaston, Andreas Seewald, and Cole Paton. Brendan Johnston and Simon Pellaud rode slightly further behind.
The chasers caught Swenson with more than 55 kilometers remaining. The return to pavement then set up a tactical final phase.
Swenson attacked on a paved climb with 24 kilometers to go. Only Gaston followed at first, while Wilson and Lange chased behind.
Wilson and Lange regained contact before Wilson launched his own move. Only Swenson could follow that attack.
Wilson then showed remarkable late power. After riding Columbine at just over 5 watts per kilogram, he pulled at 5.5 to 6 watts per kilogram over the final five kilometers.
Swenson later said it was not the hardest Leadville he had raced. The hardest racing came only at the very end.
Wilson and Swenson worked together on the final climb toward town. The win then came down to a sprint.
Wilson reached a peak of 1,240 watts. He also averaged more than 1,000 watts for 10 seconds in the final sprint.
It still was not enough. Swenson held him off at the line to claim his sixth straight Leadville victory.
Rollins also won after a late break in the women’s race. She distanced Cecily Decker with only a few miles remaining.
Rollins had crashed earlier in the race and entered after serious struggles during the season. Her late move secured a major win at altitude.