Professional mountain biker Payson McElveen sits down with some of the biggest names in sports and adventure to get an inside look at what sets them apart. With no script, the casual conversations are as diverse as the guests, with topics ranging from harrowing tales of survival, to debates on current events, to everyday tips and tricks and everything in between. As Payson travels the world for his two-wheeled day job, listen in as he rubs shoulders with and learns from some of the most inspiring athletes, entrepreneurs, academics, and others as they chase and inspire greatness.
Crusher in the Tushar recap, with Betsy Welch, Nathan Spratt, and power file analysis
The third round of the Life Time Grand Prix is an Infamous gravel race in Southwest Utah with over 10,000 feet of climbing over a punchy 69-mile course. This year’s race was defined by a distinct lack of drama, but it was still historic. Keegan Swenson became the first (and only) rider in the event’s history to finish in under four hours, while Sofía Gómez Villafañe smashed the women’s record by more than six minutes. Payson and Velo reporter Betsy Welch talk about these wins as well as some of the other noteworthy finishes. From Matt Beers to Paige Onweller, there were many riders who staked their claim on the leaderboard last week with breakout performances.
One of the riders with an attention-grabbing race was Nathan Spratt, an Indiana native who started racing gravel in 2022 after years of racing on the road. He now lives in Utah and fits training alongside his engineering career. He joins Payson to talk about his sixth-place finish at Crusher, how he came to the Grand Prix, and what it's like to live, train, and work with his twin brother, Marc.
Payson also breaks down the power files of some of the athletes, including Matt Beers and Haley Smith.
Instagram: @withpacepodcast
YouTube: Payson McElveen
Email: howdy@withpace.cc