The 2026 Colorado Trail Race has seen a remarkable performance by Matt Annabel, a 51-year-old singlespeed enthusiast from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Finishing in a record-breaking time of 4 days, 21 hours, and 23 minutes, Annabel claimed the singlespeed win and secured fifth place overall. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his racing career, as he has been a consistent contender in the race for the past five years, with singlespeed bikes as his primary choice.
What makes Annabel's victory even more impressive is his consistent performance over the years. In 2023, he took third place, and since then, he has only seen the top step of the podium. With this win, he becomes a three-time singlespeed champion, and his sub-five-day finish in both directions further cements his status as a legend in the CTR.
One of the key factors in Annabel's success was his bike setup. He rode a nine-year-old titanium hardtail nicknamed 'Badger', a Why Cycles (Now Revel) Wayward. This bike is lighter and racier compared to his other bike, 'Blue', which has a beefier component selection. The gearing on Badger was 32x22T, a setup that has remained unchanged for the past few years.
A notable highlight of Annabel's ride was his performance on Sargents Mesa, a section of the trail that usually takes him around five hours to complete. This year, he chugged some maple syrup and managed to blast through it in just two and a half hours. This achievement is particularly impressive, given the challenging conditions of the race, including the smoke from the Elk Fire outside of Lake City.
Annabel's victory is a testament to his tenacity and dedication to the sport. His consistent performance over the years, coupled with his strategic bike setup and nutrition choices, has solidified his status as a legend in the CTR. With his age group (50+) proving that 50 is indeed the new 40, Annabel's achievement is a source of inspiration for many in the cycling community.
As the race continues to gain popularity, Annabel's performance serves as a benchmark for future contenders. His success story highlights the importance of consistency, strategy, and a deep understanding of one's equipment in achieving victory in endurance cycling events. With his singlespeed win, Annabel has not only secured a place in the history books but has also inspired a generation of cyclists to push their limits and embrace the challenges of endurance racing.
