LIFE TIME EXPANDS U23 PROGRAM, INCREASING ATHLETE ROSTER AND INTRODUCING RACE ENTRY SUPPORT
| U23 athlete roster confirmed for the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix |
| Life Time (NYSE: LTH) today announced an expanded investment in its Life Time Grand Prix U23 Program for 2026, increasing the number of athletes selected and introducing race entry coverage for the first time. The enhancements reflect Life Time’s continued commitment to support and develop the next generation of off-road racers as participation and competition in off-road cycling continue to grow across North America. Unlike established professionals, most U23 athletes are not full-time competitors. Many balance training and racing with college coursework, full-time jobs, and other responsibilities — while also managing the financial demands of travel, equipment, and race participation. By both expanding the size of the U23 roster and covering race entry fees, Life Time is addressing two of the most significant barriers facing developing athletes: access and cost. The increased roster creates more opportunity for rising talent to compete at a high level, while entry support enables them to participate more consistently and gain critical race experience. “Life Time is committed to growing the future of off-road cycling, and these athletes are exactly that.” Michelle Duffy, Director of the Life Time Grand Prix, said. “The U23 years are a critical bridge between high school racing and the next phase of an athlete’s career, and for many riders, a program like this can be the incentive and support they need to stay on the bike, keep developing, and see a real path forward. We originally planned to select 10 young women and men, but the depth of talent this year made it clear that we had an opportunity to expand. By expanding the roster and introducing race entry support, we are doubling down on our commitment to building a stronger development pipeline and creating more opportunities for the next generation of elite off-road cyclists.” Following a successful introductory year, the 2026 U23 program will expand the number of athletes selected, welcoming 20 men and 12 women riders to compete across the series. The expanded roster reflects a significant increase in talent and applications—particularly among male athletes—while also offering race opportunities to the full pool of qualified female applicants. The athletes selected for the 2026 are: Women: |
| Lauren Aggeler, Colorado USA Samantha Campbell, Colorado, USA Alex Charles, Utah, United States Ellory Clason, Michigan, USA Katelyn Cook, Idaho, USA Brooke Darby, Colorado, USA Kylee Hanel, Oregon, United States Scarlett Hardie, Colorado, USA Samantha Johnson, Tennessee, USA Courtney Merrill, Idaho, USA Lacie Munns, Utah, USA Emily Stapleton, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Men: |
| Isaac Allred, Minnesota, USA Ryker Brand, Utah, USA Aero Fisher, California, USA Jason Freihofner, California, USA Calvin Horner, Kansas, USA Jake Johansen, Arizona, USA Holden Krizek, CO, USA Finn McKenzie, New Zealand Luke Mosteller, Georgia, USA Ryder Ritchie, California, USA Ollie Rutberg, Colorado, USA Jacob Schneller, Kansas, USA Braeden Sellinger, Arizona, USA Jack Spang, Canada Oskar Stack-Michasiw, Canada Kash Steele, California, USA Jacob Stutz, California, USA Elliot Thornblade, Montana, USA Noah Warren, Alabama, USA Jonas Woodruff, California, USA |
| Ruth Holcomb, winner of the 2025 women’s U23 program, said, “By Life Time adding the U23 category, I think a lot of us got a lot more coverage than we would’ve gotten otherwise and winning the series not only got me into the Life Time Grand Prix but also helped me meet a lot of people in the industry and build connections that I was able to use to put my privateer program together this year. It’s important to have a separate category to the elite, and being able to race for the win was such an important part of my racing career and an amazing end to my time as a U23.” Griffin Hoppin, winner of the 2025 men’s U23 program, said, “Winning the U23 category last year was a big moment of recognition for me, but bigger than that, it opened up the opportunity for me to continue to pursue the thing I really love to do, so for that, I’m super grateful to Life Time.” This program requires athletes to compete in four of the six events that make up the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix. Those athletes will be scored on a separate U23 leaderboard, with the best four race results counting towards their overall standing. Two drop races are allowed, and a minimum of four starts are required for eligibility. In the event of a tie, Life Time Big Sugar Gravel will serve as a tiebreaker, but is not a required start. The U23 development program is open to cyclists aged 18-22 with the program’s top men and women finishers earning a spot in the 2027 elite Life Time Grand Prix lineup. |
| The calendar for the 2026 series is as follows: Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik – Saturday, August 15, 2026 Life Time Chequamegon MTB Festival – Saturday, September 19, 2026 Life Time Little Sugar MTB – Sunday, October 11, 2026 Life Time Big Sugar Gravel – Saturday, October 17, 2026 To learn more about the 2026 series, visit www.lifetimegrandprix.com and follow along on YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook. |