2011 Leadville 100 elite men’s race photos

Approaching the summit, Lakata caught Wells and it quickly became a two man race for the win. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Jeremiah Bishop kept Cannondale in the game, but fell off the lead pace as the climb got more severe near the summit. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Wells lit up the descent and gapped Lakata. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Lakata followed about 30-seconds behind Wells. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Lakata on the descent off of Columbine. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Herbalife24's Nate Whitman chased hard on the climb. Photo by Rob O'Dea

The pain of Columbine's +12,000-feet was visible on every face. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Billy Demong led the charge for event owner / sponsor Lifetime Fitness. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Having suffered 3 flats before the climb, Tim Johnson was uncharacteristically off the lead pace. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Pipeline inbound was an exercise in time trialing for the leaders. Photo by Rob O'Dea

On the lower portion of Powerline, Wells maintained a 30-second gap over Lakata. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Powerline makes EVERYONE work for it. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Lakata looked strong on Powerline. Photo by Rob O'Dea

The heat was working on all riders by the time the race hit Powerline. Photo by Rob O'Dea

On the upper portion of Powerline, Wells put the hammer down and opened a decisive gap. Photo by Rob O'Dea

The effort Wells put in was obvious…and big. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Wells in the hurt locker. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Lakata was starting to show the impact of his effort. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Cresting Powerline and rounding Sugarloaf, Wells had stretched his gap to a minute. Photo by Rob O'Dea

Wells tore up the descent off of Sugarloaf. Photo by Rob O'Dea