Abstract
The Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race is an ultra-endurance high altitude race in Colorado. The course ranges in altitude from 9200 ft to 12 600 ft. PURPOSE: To determine the factors associated with finishing this ultra-endurance race. METHODS: All participants of the 2010 Leadville 100 mountain bike race received either electronic or paper surveys before the race. Major variables included bike characteristics, prior race completion, age, and gender. We also collected the data about racers who presented to the aid stations or to the local hospital for any injuries. RESULTS: Out of 1337 competitors who started the race, 1207 responded (90.3%) to the survey. Average age was 43.2 (range 21-74) years. Most participants (89.5%) were male. Only 15 racers needed to be referred to the local emergency room or transferred to an outside hospital. The majority of racers (n = 913, 68.3%) finished the race under the cut-off time of 12 hours. Over half (815, 61%) had never successfully finished this race in the past. Among respondents, full suspension bikes with 26" wheels were the most popular (55% and 56% respectively). Carbon fiber (41.7%) and aluminum (39%) were the most popular frame compositions followed by titanium (7.3%), and steel (1.9%). Male gender (p <0.001), prior race completion (p <0.001), and younger age (p <0.01) correlated with completing the race. The bike characteristics which positively correlated with finishing the race were 29" wheels (p <0.01) and carbon fiber or titanium frames (p <0.001). Suspension status and bike weight were not associated with successfully completing the race. CONCLUSION: In this high altitude event, the injury rate was low. Male gender, prior race completion, younger age, having bikes with carbon fiber or titanium frames and larger wheels correlated with successfully finishing the race. Bike suspension status and bike weight were not correlated with completing the race under the 12-hour cut-off time.
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