How many carbs per hour for the Leadville Stage Race?

60–90 g/hr on each stage, up to 100–120 g/hr on Stages 1 and 3 if your gut is trained. Stage 2 (Columbine) typically sits at the lower end because intensity above 11,000 ft slows gastric emptying.

How long does the Leadville Stage Race take?

Cumulative times range from about 7 hours (front of race) to just under 11 hours for official finishers. Most amateurs target 8:30–10:30 cumulative across the three stages.

What is the sub-11 hour rule?

A cumulative finishing time under 11 hours across all three stages is required to be considered an official Stage Race finisher and to be eligible for the LT100 MTB qualifier coin drawing.

How much water and sodium do I need per stage?

Plan 500–1000 ml/hr of fluid with 400–1000 mg sodium per liter, tuned to a sweat test. Dry mountain air roughly doubles respiratory water loss vs sea level, so drinking to thirst is not enough.

How should I caffeinate across three race days?

3–6 mg/kg body weight per stage, split into pre-start and mid-race doses. Keep the last caffeine dose 6+ hours before bedtime to protect sleep between stages.

What should I eat between stages?

Within 60 min of each finish: 1.0–1.2 g/kg CHO + 0.3–0.4 g/kg protein and 150 % of estimated fluid loss with sodium. Add a low-fiber real meal within 2 hours and keep dinner familiar and light.

Do I need to acclimate to altitude?

Ideally arrive 5–7+ days early (or 2–3 weeks for meaningful adaptation). If that is not possible, plan the flight-in strategy: arrive within 24 hours of the first gun, or 10+ days out. The middle window is where altitude sickness peaks.

How hard is Columbine on Stage 2?

The queen stage climbs from ~9,700 ft to 12,497 ft (2,957 → 3,809 m) in roughly 10 miles, most of it above tree line. Expect 60–90 min of threshold effort with real hypoxia, then a fast, technical descent.

What is the total climbing across the three stages?

Cumulative climbing is roughly 12,000 ft (3,650 m) — the same as the LT100 MTB, distributed across three days.

Where are the aid stations?

Stage 1: Carter Summit (mi 10) and Outward Bound (mi 24). Stage 2: Columbine Summit (mi 11) only. Stage 3: Outward Bound (mi 15.4) and Carter Summit (mi 29.6). All are well stocked with Neversecond gels/mix, Skratch hydration, bars, chews, coke and real food.

Can crew meet me on course?

Yes at Twin Lakes and Outward Bound. Crews cannot access the base of Powerline. Vehicles are not allowed on any dirt-road sections. Overnight bike storage is provided at Twin Lakes Dam after Stages 1 and 2.

How do the shuttles work?

Stage 1: shuttle back from Twin Lakes Dam to the Rodeo Grounds (12:00–2:00 PM). Stage 2: no shuttles — carpool. Stage 3: shuttle from Rodeo Grounds to Twin Lakes Dam start (7:00–8:30 AM). Bikes are never allowed on shuttles.

What bike is best for the Leadville Stage Race?

A fast, efficient XC hardtail or short-travel (100 mm) full-suspension bike with 2.25–2.4 in tubeless tires and reinforced casings. Gearing that lets you spin at 60–70 rpm on Columbine at altitude is more important than raw weight.

What tire pressure should I run?

Most amateur riders land between 20–26 psi front / 22–28 psi rear on 2.25–2.4 in tubeless — tuned to rider weight, tire volume and rim width. Recheck every morning at altitude (temperature swings shift PSI).

Should I use a hydration pack or bottles?

Most amateurs use one bottle in the frame plus a 1.5–2 L hydration pack with concentrated carb mix — total 90–120 g CHO on board between aid stations.

How cold is the start?

35–45 °F (2–7 °C) at 9:00 AM in late July. Arm warmers, a vest and full-finger gloves for the first 45–60 minutes, stowed at the first aid.

How does the LT100 MTB qualifier coin drawing work?

All official finishers (sub-11 h cumulative) are entered into a coin drawing at Sunday's awards ceremony (3:00 PM). Coins award a guaranteed entry into the next Leadville Trail 100 MTB. You must be present to receive a coin.

How much does it cost and when does registration open?

2026 pricing: $650 solo, $975 tandem/team. General registration opens January 9, 2026. Deferral deadline is July 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Is there a lottery for the Stage Race?

No. Unlike the LT100 MTB, the Stage Race uses general registration until sold out (2026 solo entries sold out; tandem still available at the time of writing).

How should I pace Columbine?

Cap effort at threshold (HR or power) on the lower slopes and settle into a sustainable zone above tree line. Riders who go over threshold below 11,500 ft blow up above 12,000 ft and lose 10–20 min on the descent.

What is the biggest execution mistake?

Racing Stage 1 too hard because 40 miles 'feels short.' The stage race is decided by cumulative time — Stage 1 discipline pays back on Sunday.

How do I recover between stages if I'm not staying near town?

Prioritize the first 60 minutes: carbs, protein, fluid, elevate legs. Meal within 2 hours. Skip alcohol until Sunday. 8+ hours of sleep is the single highest-ROI recovery intervention.

Is the Stage Race a good way to qualify for the LT100 MTB?

Yes — finishers are entered into the coin drawing, which is one of the few non-lottery paths into the LT100 MTB. It also serves as a rehearsal of the full course over three days, at altitude, with race-day logistics.

Leadville MTB Stage Race Race-Day Checklist — Fueling, Kit & Execution

Leadville Stage Race race-day checklist

A minimal execution checklist. Every line should be rehearsed in training, not tried for the first time on race day.

Bottles pre-mixed with target carbohydrate and sodium concentration
Backup calories (gels or chews) equal to 30–50% of planned intake
Caffeine doses pre-portioned and timed
Drop bag / aid plan with bottle swaps written down
Pre-race breakfast rehearsed in training
Layering plan for start-line temperature
Sunscreen, chamois cream and any GI insurance (e.g., anti-nausea)
Post-race recovery calories staged at the finish

Packing list

Bike (per stage)

Race bike (serviced 2 wk out)
Fresh sealant checked before Stage 1
2 bottle cages or 1 + hydration pack
GPS head unit with fuel alarm
Chain lube for morning re-lube

Nutrition (all 3 days)

Gels/chews/mix for ~15 h of racing + 30 % buffer
3–4 caffeine doses per rider
Recovery drink + real meal for each stage finish
Breakfast foods pre-tested at altitude
Salt tabs for salty sweaters

Hydration

51–68 fl oz pack
1–2 frame bottles for concentrated carb mix
Rehearsed electrolyte mix (400–1000 mg Na⁺/L)
Spare bite valve
Reusable cup for aid stations

Clothing

3× race kit (bibs + jersey)
Arm warmers
Wind vest / rain shell
Full-finger gloves + summer gloves
Cap or buff
Warm dry layer for each finish

Weather gear

SPF 50+ sunscreen (altitude UV is brutal)
SPF lip balm
Photochromic or clear + tinted sunglasses
Rain jacket in pack for Columbine + Powerline

Tools & spares

2× CO₂ + inflator per stage
Mini pump
Plug kit
Spare tube
Multi-tool + chain breaker
Quick link
Spare hanger
Small first-aid kit

Recovery kit

Compression tights for evenings
Foam roller or lacrosse ball
Elevation setup (pillows for legs)
Sleep mask + earplugs
Blood pressure / SpO₂ monitor optional

Documents & logistics

Photo ID for packet pickup (required)
Confirmation email printout
Crew brief with times/locations for all 3 stages
Drop-bag labels (clear plastic bags, no liquids)
Shuttle time reservation confirmation

Download the Printable Leadville MTB Stage Race Race Guide

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Leadville MTB Stage Race — Race-Day Checklist

Leadville Stage Race race-day checklist