Athletes like Brian Aberle and Anna Gibson share their motivations and challenges ahead of the grueling race
Category: Sports
As the Leadville Trail 100 MTB approaches, stories of resilience and personal challenges emerge from the competitors. Brian Aberle, a 52-year-old cyclist from Eagle, is racing not just for glory but in memory of his family members lost over recent years. "I’m racing in honor of my family lost," Aberle said, highlighting a deeply personal motivation that drives him to compete this year.
Aberle's grief began in 2018 with the loss of his wife's mother to brain cancer, initiating a tragic series of events that would see him lose 12 family members in total over the next several years. This includes the sudden passing of his own mother in 2022, followed by his wife's father later that same year, and the heartbreaking deaths of his cousin Dylan Bazzell and his friend Drew Fehr in a snow-sledding accident in early 2023. "A night that has haunted me," Aberle recalled. The losses continued with his brother's wife succumbing to terminal lung cancer and his brother passing away from complications related to cancer treatment in 2024. Most recently, Aberle lost his sister Julie to glioblastoma in late 2025 after a nearly two-year battle with the aggressive cancer.
In the face of such overwhelming grief, Aberle decided to channel his emotions into training for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, a decision that came shortly after his sister's death. "After Julie’s passing, I was in a fairly dark place," he admitted. His participation in a spin class led him to enter the race, where he felt compelled to share his story. "In January, I was informed that I got in. Uh-oh. Time to panic," he said with a mix of humor and anxiety. With the support of his family, Aberle has dedicated the past seven months to rigorous training, hiring a coach and nutritionist to prepare for the challenge ahead.
Aberle's training has been more than just physical; it has was a therapeutic outlet for his grief. His coach, Erinn Hoban, noted that Aberle approaches challenges with a smile, demonstrating resilience and determination. "Each time we met to discuss the plan, he showed up with 14 questions from the 16 videos or podcasts he had just consumed," she said. Aberle's family has also played a key role in his preparation, rearranging vacations to support his training schedule. "Speaking from experience, everyone around you must buy into the process if you want to accomplish something like Leadville," Hoban added.
In addition to Aberle, another athlete making headlines at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB is Anna Gibson, a U.S. skimo Olympian who is competing in the race for the first time. Having just finished sixth in the competitive Sierre-Zinal trail running race six days prior, Gibson is transitioning from running to mountain biking. "It’s going to tell me to rest, and I can’t have that right now," she said, referencing her decision to ignore her physiological metrics as she prepares for the race. Gibson's background is diverse, including NCAA track finals and national-level Nordic skiing, which has provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges of cycling.
Gibson's entry into the Leadville Trail 100 MTB adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive women's field. She is aware of the fierce competition she will face, including last year's champion, Melisa Rollins, and current Life Time Grand Prix leader Sofia Gomez Villafane. "I just want to do it and learn as much as possible," Gibson stated, emphasizing her desire to embrace the experience rather than focus solely on winning. Her approach reflects a broader sentiment among athletes who view the race as an opportunity for personal growth.
Meanwhile, Aberle's method of coping with loss through physical endurance reflects a powerful narrative of healing. He has placed photographs of his deceased family members on his bike as a reminder of his motivation. "When I’m in a dark place on race day, I will know my suffering is temporary," he explained. This connection to his family fuels his determination as he prepares to tackle the demanding course.
As the race day approaches, both Aberle and Gibson are focused on their individual goals, each shaped by their unique experiences. Aberle is preparing to face the challenges of the Leadville course, which is known for its high altitude and difficult terrain. He has completed six Leadville 100s on single-speed bikes, and this year, he finds himself in the last corral due to a canceled race that would have helped improve his seeding. "It’s only fitting," Aberle remarked, finding humor in the situation. His determination to finish the race in honor of his family provides him with a sense of purpose.
Gibson, on the other hand, is still learning how to navigate the nuances of mountain biking, having primarily trained in running and skiing. She aims to apply her athletic skills to this new challenge, hoping to find her rhythm on the bike. "I just want to do this and try as hard as possible," she reiterated, signaling her commitment to the race and her personal development as an athlete.
The Leadville Trail 100 MTB is set to take place on August 19, 2026, and both Aberle and Gibson are ready to face their respective challenges. As they prepare to ride through the Colorado mountains, their stories of resilience and determination will undoubtedly inspire many, reminding everyone that sports can serve as a powerful vehicle for healing and personal growth.