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-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.