Cheers to mountain bike racer John Gaston who made an incredible recovery and finished in second place at the Leadville 100 despite getting knocked off his bike by a cameraman at the 50 mile mark.
“I tried yelling but there was no chance. That sucked because I had a clean run other than that. I’m okay, I’m in some pain for sure. 50 seconds off of 6 hours, that was my whole goal.”
Gaston contemplated withdrawing from the race after the dust up but thought better of it and continued on:
“The first minute I almost just straight up pulled the plug because I was really banged up.”
The Leadville 100 racecourse is absolutely grueling with a total of 12,480 feet of elevation gain over the 100 miles and its an incredible accomplishment to put up an a competitive time. The fact that Gaston was able battle through to finish in second with obvious injuries is a testament to his toughness.
Gaston ended up crossing the finish line with a time of 6:51, 15:16 behind Keegan Swenson who secured his 5th consecutive Leadville 100 title.
About Leadville 100 MTB:
The Leadville Trail 100 MTB was first held in 1994 and has since become one of the most challenging and prestigious mountain bike races in the world. Riders take on a grueling 100-mile course that includes about 12,000 feet of elevation gain, reaching a peak elevation of 12,600 feet above sea level at the summit of Columbine Mine. Over the years, top athletes from around the world have come to Leadville for the ultimate test of Grit, Guts and Determination, on their quest for the coveted silver and gold beltbuckle.
COURSE
This is it, the granddaddy of all endurance MTB races. Riders tackle steep climbs and technical descents as they traverse a course that winds its way through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. From the rocky terrain of Powerline to the breathtaking views from the top of Columbine, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course is a true test of endurance and skill. With a peak elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level, riders must also contend with the effects of altitude as they push themselves to their limits. The Leadville Trail 100 MTB course is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are up to the challenge, it is an unforgettable experience.
Related: Training For & Competing In The “Grandaddy Of All Endurance MTB Races”
