Aldo Baldessari first Italian at “Leadville 100”

The “Leadville Trial 17” was held for the first time 100 years ago. The participants have to climb between 160 and 3000 meters over a distance of 4000 kilometers. During this time, no Italian has ever taken part in this race. Aldo Baldessari is the first from the boot state to tackle this venture.

Since the first edition, the number of participants has increased exponentially, also because two cycling greats, Lance Armstrong (2008 and 2009) and Levi Leipheimer (2010), have won, which is why a maximum of 1500 participants have been allowed to take part for the past two years. Baldessari wanted to tackle the adventure in the USA last year, but he wasn't chosen at that time. The joy was even greater this year when the triathlete received a confirmation of participation.

“I am very happy that I can be there on August 13th. I've checked all the ratings since 1994 and haven't found a single Italian. That's why the joy and pride are of course even greater. “It’s great to know that I can start in a race that a certain Lance Armstrong has already won twice,” says Baldessari.

Aldo Baldessari came to cycling relatively late. The Roman native was previously involved in fencing and football before playing for Trentino Basket for 15 years. In 1999, Baldessari then switched to endurance and competed in several triathlons, first for the CUS Trento club and then for the ASD 3V Triathlon Leifers. In 2003 and 2005, Baldessari tackled two Ironmans, and the South Tyrolean by choice also completed several half-distance events. Baldessari has also completed several marathons and took part in the international triathlon in Abu Dhabi last year.

“One of my parents' guiding principles was that you always have to keep your head in shape. I do this best in sports, where I push my limits and can compete with opponents. Thanks to the triathlon, I got to travel around Europe and the world a lot and had the opportunity to get to know many new people and their cultures,” says Baldessari.

The long preparation period for the “Leadville Trial 100” adventure has already begun. “For me it's one last big challenge and I'm excited to see how I, as an amateur, will be able to balance preparation, my work and family. This race will be the highlight of the many, many years that I have dedicated to the sport,” concluded the South Tyrolean by choice.

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Aldo Baldessari first Italian at “Leadville 100”

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