August 10th marked another gruelling chapter in the Leadville 100, one of the most formidable and unforgiving one-day races on the planet. Held in the rugged terrain of Colorado, this iconic race stretches over 160 kilometres, with a staggering 3,600 meters of climbing, testing even the most seasoned athletes. The course challenges riders with five major climbs: St. Kevins, Sugarloaf, Columbine, Powerline, and Turquoise Lake Road—each one as relentless as the last.

Matt Beers arrived in the U.S. ten days before the race to acclimatize to the altitude. Leadville sits at an average elevation of 3,100 meters above sea level, with the highest point of the race reaching a punishing 3,800 meters. The combination of altitude, distance, and elevation gain makes this race a beast like no other, requiring immense preparation.
Matt, who competed in this race in 2022 and finished 7th, was well aware of the challenges ahead. This year, the level of competition was even higher, and every detail mattered—from equipment choice to pacing strategy. Matt opted for his Specialized S-Works Epic 8 with Captain 2.3 tires front and rear, knowing that the rocky terrain would make punctures a common occurrence.

The race kicked off with intensity from the very first climb up St. Kevins. Learning from his experience last year, Matt focused on pacing himself properly, maintaining a steady rhythm, and fuelling up consistently with Cadence Nutrition. His strategy paid off as he stayed strong throughout the race, ultimately battling for 6th place in a sprint finish and securing 7th overall for the day.
Reflecting on the race, Matt said, "I never hit any dark patches during the race, which gives me a lot of confidence for the next event. Russell Finsterwald and I worked really well together in the wind, trying to catch the riders up front. We almost got them but started our chase maybe a bit too late. Keegan Swenson was incredibly strong, and his win was well-deserved. Big kudos to him."

acing at altitude is always a challenge for Matt, as he doesn’t live at high elevation. Competing against riders who are acclimated to living at over 2,000 meters above sea level is no easy feat. Despite arriving 10 days early, adjusting to the thin air of Leadville is akin to "breathing through a straw." Yet, Matt remains optimistic: “I believe that with more dedicated time spent at altitude and focused preparation, a podium finish is within reach.”
With this solid performance, Matt remains in 4th position overall in the Lifetime Grand Prix Series. “My primary objective was to secure crucial points for the Lifetime Grand Prix Series. Given the challenges of altitude and the demanding climbs, I'm satisfied with my performance and current form, especially as one of the bigger riders on the start line.”

Next up, Matt heads to Steamboat Springs for the SBT GRVL, a 201-kilometer race with 3,500 meters of ascent. Although it’s also at altitude, it peaks at a more manageable 2,000 meters—something Matt will be looking forward to after the high-altitude brutality of Leadville.

Team Updates
Alex Miller is on the road to recovery following a challenging crash during the XCO event at the Paris Olympic Games, which required surgery to insert a plate with screws into his right hand. Despite the setback, Alex’s determination remains unshaken. He has already begun his recovery process on the indoor trainer and is eager to transition back to outdoor riding as soon as possible. His resilience is a testament to his commitment, and we look forward to seeing him back in action.
Meanwhile, Johan Van Zyl is in the final stages of his preparation for the World Championships in Andorra. Focused and ready, Johan will be flying out to Europe on August 23rd, with his sights set on delivering a strong performance on the world stage.