Parkite Keegan Swenson finishes 7th in Marathon MTB World Championships

USA Olympic Cyclist Keegan Swenson lives in Heber City but is originally from Park City. Photo: keeganswenson.com

ELBA ISLAND, Ita. — Parkite Keegan Swenson left it all out on the course over the weekend at the 2021 Marathon Mountain Bike World Championships on the island of Elba in Tuscany.

The men raced 71 miles with 14,000 feet of climbing. The women raced 50 miles with over 10,000 feet of climbing.

Swenson had a 91st call-up and made it into the lead group early into Lap 1 of 3. On Lap 2, he had a hole in his tire that he was able to fix on the course. By the end of the day, he was able to finish seventh after one of the hardest days he’s ever had on the bike.

Fellow Americans Kyle Trudeau (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Kelly Catale (Pepperell, Mass.) were both able to manage Top-40 finishes in their respective races.

Fan-favorite Swiss rider Nino Shurter led the lead group for a while but eventually pulled out of the race due to health issues.

Men’s Results

1. Andreas Seewald (GER)

2. Diego Alfonso Arias Cuervo (COL)

3. Jose Dias (POR)

7. Keegan Swenson (USA)

39. Kyle Trudeau (USA)

67. Jules Goguely (USA)

72. Will Foley (USA)

DNF. Alex Wild (USA)

Women’s Results

1. Mona Mitterwallner (AUT)

2.Maja Wloszczowska (POL)

3. Natalia Fischer Equsquiza (ESP)

35. Kelly Catale (USA)

Full results