An amateur off road cyclist died while competing in the world famous Leadville Trail 100 bike race this past weekend according to The Colorado Sun news.
Details of the death have not yet been released out of respect for the rider and family, but racers on-scene reported the man died during a high-speed descent, likely from massive injuries sustained when he crashed hard into a tree.
“The entire Leadville family is deeply saddened by the passing of an athlete,” organiser Life Time spokesperson Jordan Titus said via email. “This athlete embodied the spirit of Leadville and our thoughts and sympathies are with their loved ones at this difficult time.”
News of the death was announced during Sunday’s awards ceremony and out of respect the athletes observed a moment of silence for the man.
Details of the second-ever death in the legendary race have not been released, but The Lake County Sheriff’s Office expects to release information on the crash by the end of the week.
The race fatality marks the second-ever death in the legendary race that began in almost four decades ago.
55-year-old Scott Ellis died during the 2015 race while climbing the very steep and difficult “Powerline” segment at mile 80 when he collapsed from a heart attack.
PHOTOS: Leadville Today
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