Lance Armstrong rides in the 12 Hours of SnowmassJames Huang
Beaver Creek’s Jay Henry was first up the climb…James Huang
…but Armstrong was just behind in fourth position.James Huang
Henry’s first lap was also the fastest of the day at just 40:57.James Huang
Endurance racing legend and mountain bike Hall of Famer Mike Kloser heads off on his first lap for Beaver Creek…James Huang
The near-3000m top of the course offered stunning views…James Huang
…with Livestrong’s Len Zanni close behind.James Huang
…and there was even a hot air balloon festival off in the distance though it’s unlikely most racers took the time to notice.James Huang
2008 Leadville 100 winner Dave Wiens heads up the climb for the first time though Max Taam has already passed him for the lead.James Huang
Taam comes into the transition area to tag Armstrong and puts the Livestrong team in first place.James Huang
Wiens comes in shortly afterward…James Huang
…and Henry sets off in chase of Armstrong.James Huang
Save for the fire road sections that bracketed each lap the course was decidedly technical and even included this rocky (and slippery) creek crossing.James Huang
Armstrong approaches the creek in full flight…James Huang
…powers through…James Huang
…emerges into the sunlight…James Huang
…and then rockets off into the distance.James Huang
Henry was soon to follow…James Huang
…and apparently had traded his initial full-suspension Gary Fisher for a hardtail.James Huang
Armstrong’s routine was clearly dialed.James Huang
Armstrong would emerge from his hotel just minutes prior to Taam’s return, he’d casually warm up on the grassy areas surrounding the start, then enter the transition area in full flight.James Huang
Clean handoffs were key to a smooth race.James Huang
Armstrong and Henry chat things up as they wait in the transition area.James Huang
Zanni cruises into the finish and secures the win for Team Livestrong.James Huang
Kloser couldn’t catch Zanni but still logged a super fast lap to come in just shy of the 7pm cutoff.James Huang
Len Zanni, Lance Armstrong and Max Taam atop the podium as winners of the men’s trio category in the inaugural 12 Hours of Snowmass.James Huang
Team Beaver Creek riders Dave Wiens, Mike Kloser and Jay Henry graciously accept second place.James Huang
Rocky Mountain Racing riders Derek Henderson, Michael Mathers and Bryan Mickiewicz finished third.James Huang
Waltworks/Fuentes Design rider Yuki Saito not only hails all the way from Japan…James Huang
…but even won the men’s solo category.James Huang
Karen White of Team Type 1 doesn’t just talk the talk; the Australia native has Type 1 diabetes herself yet still raced the women’s solo category.James Huang
Team High Maintenance rider Amy Hermes looks happy to be (mostly) done with the climbing, particularly as she was racing on a singlespeed.James Huang