A Conversation with Dave Wiens, Six-Time LT100 MTB Winner

06.22.2018 | 8:58 am

When I launched my new Leadville Podcast, I knew I would want to have a nice long interview with Dave Wiens for one of the bonus episodes. It would be weird not to, frankly, like having a podcast about FatCyclist.com without having an interview with me.

I know, that’s an excruciatingly self-indulgent comparison, but I’m an excruciatingly self-indulgent person, so you should have seen that coming.

We’re getting off topic here. Let’s get back to talking about Dave Wiens.

For many LT100 racers, Dave Wiens remains the alpha male racer. He is the only person to have won six times, and he always did so without a posse. He is the first person to break the six-hour barrier. He is the only person to have beaten not just one, but two Tour de France winners.

And — most importantly — he’s the nicest, most approachable guy you’ll ever meet. That’s not hyperbole. If you ever see him, go up and say hi. He’ll happily talk with you, though you’ll find he’s pretty darned good at conversational Judo and will get you to tell your story instead. He’s dedicated his life to mountain biking (he’s the executive director of IMBA).

He is, in short, a true MTB hero.

That’s why Dave Wiens talks, Leadville racers listen. He really knows his stuff, partly from having won this race so many times, and partly from having taught the Leadville 100 Camp of Champions several times. Chances are, if a racer has a question, he’s heard it, and he knows the answer.

In this chat, Hottie and I talk with Dave about bike choice, pacing, nutrition, the Race Across the Sky movies, Dave’s up-close-and-personal view of Floyd Landis’ crash, and a lot more.

I think you’re going to really enjoy this episode. I sure did.