Keegan Swenson expects Rad Dirt Fest, with 10,613 feet of climbing and punchy finale, to 'blow up a fair bit'

Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz Bicycles) rides solo to win a fourth Leadville Trail 100 MTB
Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz Bicycles) rides solo to win a fourth Leadville Trail 100 MTB (Image credit: Life Time)

Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz Bicycles-SRAM) is on the verge of securing a third overall title in the Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda off-road series, which he can seal with a victory Saturday at The Rad Dirt Fest in Trinidad, Colorado.

But there are 113 miles across 10,613 feet of climbing that the US rider has not seen before, and a solid men's field trying to extend the battle for a share in a $300,000 prize purse through to late October at Big Sugar Gravel.

"It's my first time in Trinidad. It's kind of a similar vibe to Steamboat [SBT GRVL], but more turns and less long straightaways, with some punchier climbs near the end. It's a nice change from the Midwest gravel we've done the last bit," the three-time SBT GRVL winner said after a pre-ride on the course Thursday. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Jackie Tyson
North American Production editor

Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years - from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. She has climbed l'Alpe d'Huez three times (not fast). Her favorite road and gravel rides are around horse farms in north Georgia (USA) and around lavender fields in Provence (France), and some mtb rides in Park City, Utah (USA).