The ultra-cycling world is once again in mourning. Robert “Ultra Rob” Lucas, a 55-year-old former Race Across America (RAAM) competitor and mountain bike endurance racer, was killed on Saturday 30 May 2026 while on a training ride.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, Lucas was riding southbound in the opposing lane on the Rampart Range gravel road near mile marker 7 when a northbound Jeep Wrangler approached from the opposite direction. While attempting to brake, Lucas lost control and collided with the vehicle’s front left tyre as the Jeep swerved toward the side of the road in an attempt to avoid him. Lucas was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene. The Jeep’s driver had not been charged in connection with the crash as of the latest report.
Lucas’ death came just two weeks after fellow RAAM athlete Craig Prather was killed when allegedly struck from behind by a motor vehicle in Bradenton, Florida, while also on a training ride.
Lucas built an impressive résumé in ultra-distance cycling. According to his event log on ultrarobventures.com, he set a course record of 9:53 at the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club 300k in Littleton in 2006. That same year, he covered 872 miles in seven days at Texas Hell Week and started the 2006 Race Across America before retiring near the Mississippi River after 1,996.5 miles due to iliotibial (IT) band pain.
In 2005, Lucas placed third in the 544-mile Adirondack 540, and in 2004 he finished 93rd overall at the legendary Leadville Trail 100, a event he returned to many times throughout his endurance cycling career.
Gran Fondo Daily News extends its deepest condolences to the Rob’s family, friends and cycling companions.
Photo Credit: Rob Lucas
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