Swenson and Villafañe win the 2023 Life Time Grand Prix

The Life Time Grand Prix came to a conclusion after seven rounds with Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafañe taking the overall wins in the men’s and women’s categories.

While the Big Sugar Classic was billed as the championship capstone event, both riders had clinched their titles before the event got under way. All the gravel-power couple needed to do – Swenson and Gomez Villafañe are partners – was cross the finish line in one piece.

“We are always thrilled to end our off-road season in Bentonville,”  said Kimo Seymour, President of Life Time Events and Media.

“This week has been a blast for our team and the bike community, and I’m very proud of all the athletes who competed and rode hard this season. We are equally grateful for our supportive brand partners, athletes, and the cities of Bentonville and Bella Vista.”

Read more:

• Kasia Niewiadoma dominates the Big Sugar Classic
• Torbjørn Andre Røed wins Big Sugar Classic in a small group sprint

How the series shook out

Courtesy of Dave Sears

Villafañe was the resounding winner, redemption after last seasons second place

In the women's series, Villafañe began the season strong with a win at the Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL, before finishing second at Unbound Gravel, and being the highest-placing Grand Prix rider, earning maximum points.

Then, wins at Crusher in the Tushar and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, plus a third at Chequamegon MTB Festival, clinched the series win ahead of The Rad Dirt Fest and Big Sugar Gravel.

The race for the top five remained tight between Alexis Skarda, last year’s overall winner, Haley Smith, Sarah Sturm, Lauren De Crescenzo, and Crystal Anthony.

No rider in the men’s field could come close to Keegan Swenson, who won his second Grand Prix title from wire to wire. Prior to this weekend’s Big Sugar Classic, he had won the first four races, only faltering at Chequamegon MTB Festival, where he placed second in a sprint finish.

The results secured his overall victory ahead of The Rad Dirt Fest, which he could afford to skip in favour of preparation for the UCI Gravel World Championship.

The rest of the men’s field was as competitive as ever, with Alexey Vermeulen, Cole Paton, Russell Finsterwald, and Lachlan Morton remaining in the race for the overall podium.

While Swenson remained in the fight for the men’s race, ultimately coming across the line in fourth, Villafañe made a couple of attacks earlier on, before sitting up and enjoying with the prospect of $25,000 waiting for her at the finish. She even had a chance to share a couple of Instagram stories from the race.

The Life Time Grand Prix has confirmed its return in 2024 and applications are open for the series. While details are sparse at the moment, the series will likely follow the same general format, with a couple of races being added or subtracted.

Results

Life Time

Tobin Ortenblad celebrating the end of the long Life Time Grand Prix season with a brew across the finish line of the Big Sugar Classic

Women’s Top 10 Finishers

1. Sofia Gomez Villafane – 173 points
2. Alexis Skarda – 167 points
3. Haley Smith, 29 – 160 points
4. Sarah Sturm, 33 – 157 points
5. Lauren De Crescenzo – 156 points
6. Jenna Rinehart – 149 points
7. Paige Onweller – 148 points
8. Crystal Anthony – 142 points
9. Hannah Otto – 136 points
10. Deanna Mayles – 133 points

Men’s Top 10 Finishers

1. Keegan Swenson – 174 points
2. Alexey Vermeulen – 165 points
3. Cole Paton – 161 points
4. Russell Finsterwald – 154 points
5. Lachlan Morton – 153 points
6. Peter Stetina – 146 points
7. Brendan Johnston – 144 points
8. Alex Howes – 135 points
9. Howard Grotts –132 points
10. Konny Looser – 128 points