Troupe Racing Co.

On august 15, Troupe rider Laura will take on the ultimate endurance race that’s on everyone’s to-do list, the Leadville 100. She has been putting in the big miles this summer in preparation and is ready as she can be!

Plus, we’ve updated her carbon Blur XC with some of amazing components to trim the weight down and get it ready for a 100 mile race. By upgrading to Formula R1 brakes, a crankbrothers Cobalt 11 seat post, Hutchinson tires and a carbon Noir crank set, we were able to shed about 2 lbs off the bike!

I caught up with Laura when she stopped by Troupe HQ and we talked about her plans and preparation.

How has your training changed since you decided to race and got accepted into Leadville?

I did a lot more road riding for my Leadville training. I did 90 to 100 miles every weekend, with mountain bike riders during the week – many of them starting very early in order to get the miles needed.

What’s your weekly milage look like, or hours per week. Is that mostly mountain or road?

I’d say my riding was mostly road. Overall, I was on the bike for about 12 hours per week. I would to one long and one short road ride. Then 2 “short” mountain bike rides. I tried to make the mountain bike riding as technical as possible to keep my skill level up. I was getting pretty bored with the road riding. I often trained with a nice group of riders, Velo 605, and a number of them have also been training for Leadville.

Anything special you’ve been working on in preparation? Specific workouts, course recon, simulations, etc.?

My friends did some recon for the ride. I don’t feel I need to know the course because it is all fire road. I did do some upper body strength training specific for riding with my physical therapist. The last ride we did was 82 miles on a mountain bike but riding mainly on a road. Of course, I watched the movie “Race Across the Sky”.

What will your nutrition plan be like?

I am drinking a mixture of Cytomax and Perpetuem. I also found that peanut butter stuffed pretzels are a great food source. They have salt, carbs, fat and protein. One thing I learned at the BC Bike Race, take advantage of the aid station goodies. I have an iron stomach so I can eat pretty much anything. I need to remember to eat before I get hungry!

I have been using Hammer Recoverite after every ride and training session and it’s been the best. Training has gone really well this year and I’m certain that has been one of the reasons why.

What are your goals heading into Leadville?

I just want to finish this monster. I would like to be under 12 hours but if I am not, that’s ok with me.

What are you planning on carrying on the bike?

Fellow Trouper Monica will be out on the course for support so hopefully I will be able to drop and pick up clothes as needed. I need to be prepared but I also don’t want to lug the kitchen sink with me, either. Definitely a spare tube, CO2, peanut butter pretzels, possibly a cell phone.

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