Cyclists usually have to be picked from a lottery of entrants to race the grueling, 100-mile Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race in Colorado. For one night only, you have the opportunity to see the race up close without breaking a sweat or going most of the way across the country. “Race Across the Sky,” a documentary film shot two months ago, will be shown in select theaters nationwide on Thursday.
The closest theater to Lancaster is the Susquehanna Regal 14 in Harrisburg. The theater is at 1500 Caughey Drive. The single showing is at 8 p.m. The cost of tickets is $12.50.
Featured in the film is seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, who won Leadville during his second attempt in August. Armstrong defeated Dave Wiens, a former professional mountain biker who had won the race for six consecutive years. Two years ago, Weins defeated Lancaster County’s own Floyd Landis, who began his career as a junior mountain biker.
The 1,400 racers each year ride against each other. But, they also ride against the terrain - which rises 14,000 feet and includes heat, but may also include hail and snow at altitude. And, they race against the clock. Those failing to make the 12-hour cut are eliminated. Finishers receive the coveted Leadville belt buckle.
