The Life Time Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most exciting and competitive off-road cycling series in the United States. Bringing together elite gravel and mountain bike athletes, it defines the season for endurance racers across the country. In this guide, you’ll find the complete Life Time Grand Prix 2025 schedule, how the standings and points system work, where to follow results, and how the lessons from 2024 are shaping the new season. You’ll also discover how to experience these iconic Life Time gravel routes virtually on ROUVY, training and racing from the comfort of your own home.
What is the Life Time Grand Prix?
Overview of the event series
The Life Time Grand Prix is a curated series of six high-profile off-road cycling races in the U.S., combining both gravel and mountain bike (MTB) events under one championship umbrella. It is owned and produced by Life Time, a lifestyle and athletic brand. The goal is to increase the popularity of off-road cycling, create a clear championship narrative, and reward consistent performance across various categories.
In 2025, the total prize money for the series is $380,000, divided equally between men and women. $200,000 is designated for the top 10 overall in each gender, while $180,000 is allocated for six individual events. Athletes vie for individual event titles and cumulative points throughout the season.
Growth since launch and success of the 2024 edition
Since its inception, Life Time has repeated and expanded the series. 2024 featured seven events, more flexible drop-score rules, and increased media coverage. Sofia Gomez Villafañe won the women’s and Keegan Swenson the men’s again. Consistency and multiple wins were key.
The 2024 season also introduced a more aggressive point separation among top finishers, with first to fifth places spaced by two points each. The series has gained more media attention and interest from riders, bringing together the gravel, XC, and endurance mountain biking communities. The successes and lessons learned from 2024 influenced the format and event choices for 2025.
Life Time Grand Prix 2025 schedule - key races & dates
Calendar of races (MTB & gravel)
Below is the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix schedule with rounds, dates, event names, location, and discipline:
For 2025, Sea Otter has transitioned to a gravel format, replacing its prior Fuego XL MTB version, and Little Sugar MTB is a brand-new addition. Big Sugar Gravel becomes mandatory, acting as a tie-breaker event if needed.
Crusher in the Tushar and Rad Dirt Fest (both part of the 2024 edition) are no longer included.
The 2025 series is structured as “best 5 of 6” - riders may drop their lowest-scoring event if they start all six, but Big Sugar must be contested and cannot be dropped. The field size is reduced to 25 men and 25 women initially, with three wild cards added after UNBOUND. To be considered for a wild card, athletes must have raced Sea Otter and UNBOUND and applied to the wild card pool.
Why these iconic races matter
Every event in the schedule has a significant history and importance.
Sea Otter Classic Gravel opens the series with a new gravel format, offering high visibility and media presence.
UNBOUND Gravel 200, an ultra-endurance gravel race in Kansas, often sets the season's narrative.
Leadville Trail 100 MTB is a legendary endurance MTB race at high altitude, testing stamina and pacing.
The Chequamegon MTB Festival is a fast and technical Midwest classic, known for its punchy climbs and close racing.
Little Sugar MTB is new in 2025, bringing more representation to mountain biking in a gravel-heavy season.
Big Sugar Gravel is the finale, mandatory for all riders, and the ultimate tie-breaker that often decides the championship.
Competing across both disciplines, the Grand Prix rewards versatility, preparation, and adaptability.
Life Time Grand Prix standings & points system
How the Grand Prix points system works
The Life Time Grand Prix uses a points-based scoring structure that rewards both high placements and consistency. The format introduced in 2024 remains in place for 2025.
Points are distributed as follows:
- 1st place = 35 points
- 2nd = 33 points
- 3rd = 31 points
- 4th = 29 points
- 5th = 27 points
- 6th through 30th decrease by one point per place (6th = 25, 7th = 24, etc.)
The system creates a two-point separation among the top five, encouraging aggressive racing for podiums.
In 2025, riders’ best 5 of 6 events count toward their overall standings, except Big Sugar, which cannot be dropped and is mandatory. Riders must start at least five events to remain eligible for overall prize money.
The overall series prize pool is $200,000, split evenly between men’s and women’s top 10 finishers. Each event also features $30,000 prize money, divided among the top 5 men and women.
A new U23 leaderboard has been introduced for 2025. U23 riders must start at least four events, with their best four finishes counting toward standings. Just like in the elite category, Big Sugar serves as the tie-breaker.
Why consistency across events is key
Consistency, not individual wins, is key to overall victory, as the drop rule can absorb a bad day.
The points structure rewards riders who consistently place in the top five or ten. In 2024, champions like Gomez Villafañe and Swenson demonstrated that consistent podiums throughout the calendar year outweigh occasional big wins.
Because Big Sugar is mandatory, riders cannot clinch the series early and coast to victory. The finale always matters, keeping fans engaged until the very end.
How to follow the Life Time Grand Prix results
Where to check race results after each event
Race results are published on the official Life Time Grand Prix leaderboard after each event. Individual race websites, such as Sea Otter, UNBOUND, or Leadville, also publish full result sheets.
Cycling media cover the series with race reports, interviews, and analysis. Social media, especially Instagram and Twitter, offer quick updates, video clips, and commentary.
Updates throughout the season
After each event, the leaderboard is updated with points, rankings, and drop scores. The standings change after every race, and as the finale gets closer, the tiebreaker becomes more important. Fans can follow both elite and U23 leaderboards to see new talent alongside seasoned champions.
Life Time Grand Prix 2024 recap
Highlights from last season
The 2024 edition featured seven races: Sea Otter (Fuego XL MTB), UNBOUND Gravel, Crusher in the Tushar, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Chequamegon MTB Festival, Rad Dirt Fest, and Big Sugar Gravel. The format was “best 5 of 7” with Big Sugar mandatory.
Sofia Gomez Villafañe successfully defended her women’s title, while Keegan Swenson captured his third straight men’s title. Swenson dominated by winning four of the seven events, showing the importance of versatility and resilience.
The season introduced a two-point gap for top finishers, making podium placements more rewarding. It also established different start times for men and women, enhancing safety and visibility for the women's race.
Lessons & momentum going into 2025
The key lessons from 2024 include:
- Consistency is more important than occasional big wins.
- The points gap encourages hard racing for top spots, not just survival.
- Big Sugar as a mandatory finale ensures the championship always comes down to the last race.
- Media coverage and fan engagement continue to grow, boosting the profile of off-road racing in the U.S.
These insights informed the 2025 format, which features a smaller calendar of six races, stricter participation requirements, and a new emphasis on youth competition through the U23 leaderboard.
FAQ: Life Time membership & event details
How much is a Life Time membership?
Life Time gym memberships are separate from the Life Time Grand Prix series. You do not need a Life Time membership to compete in or follow the Grand Prix. Membership prices vary depending on location, amenities, and promotions, and are best checked directly with your local Life Time club.
What is the connection between Life Time gyms & the Grand Prix series?
Life Time runs fitness clubs and athletic events, including the Grand Prix, which is open to everyone, not just gym members. Athletes on the Grand Prix roster do not have to pay entry fees and are expected to take part in fan engagement activities like pre-race rides and autograph sessions. Spectators and recreational athletes can attend or follow the events without being gym members. This series helps enhance Life Time’s brand in both fitness and racing communities.
Why the Life Time Grand Prix matters
The Life Time Grand Prix continues to elevate off-road cycling in the United States, uniting the gravel and mountain biking communities under one national championship story. It gives athletes a reason to stay consistent across vastly different terrains and rewards the kind of endurance and skill that defines modern adventure racing.
The 2025 edition, featuring six major events and the introduction of the new U23 category, promises closer competition, deeper storylines, and even greater fan engagement. With fewer spots in the elite field, every start and finish matters. Big Sugar remains the ultimate decider, ensuring the title race stays alive until the very end.
Thanks to ROUVY and Life Time Events, both fans and riders can now experience parts of these legendary routes virtually. From the short, steep climbs of Big Sugar to the rolling gravel of UNBOUND, you can train, test, and relive moments from the Life Time Grand Prix from the comfort of your home.
As the 2025 season unfolds, expect the Life Time Grand Prix to continue redefining off-road racing in the U.S., challenging athletes to their limits, inspiring fans, and expanding the reach of American gravel and mountain biking across both real and virtual worlds.
