First, a Bit of Background…
Matthew Lefthand began cycling in July of 2022 after marathon training left him plagued with constant knee and foot troubles. Finding that pedaling did not inflame the pain, Matthew went on to complete several century rides in a 60-day ramp to complete his first road bike race ever: LOTOJA, a 208mi/334km point-to-point ride/race crossing three states and multiple mountain ranges. From that moment on, Matthew was hooked on cycling and was especially drawn to ultra distances.
After building fitness, gaining road skills, and essentially living on the bike (1200 hours/31,000 miles of riding each year) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Matthew did his first “real” ultracycling race, Hoodoo 500. After a bumpy start, nutritional disaster, and persevering through 20mph constant winds with gusts up to 40mph, he completed the 520mi/836km and 30,000ft/9,000m of elevation in 29h06m, besting the course record by 5 hours!
With this achievement, Matthew knew he had found his place and set out to specialize his training for ultracycling in 2025. With a winter of intense work under his belt, Matthew asked his good Zwift-friend, Chris “Hoppo” Hopkinson, which early 2025 race would be best to test the waters. Matthew added Bike Sebring to the calendar and put everything into preparation, including learning to ride on a liquid-only diet, attaching TT bars to his indoor bike to practice position, getting a professional TT bike fit, and learning everything he could about the stressors and tactics of a 24-hour race.
His result was very impressive, completing 576 miles in 24 hours at Sebring, surpassing any other American over that time and also any other cyclist during a non-drafting 24-hour race.
World Record Plans for 2025
Feeling on top of the world and gaining more supporters, Matthew set his 2025 schedule to pursue the WUCA World Cup and attempt a few World Records. Matthew told me he’s “not much of a racer.” However, he is attracted to the idea of pulling the most he can out of himself – studying the craft of ultracycling relentlessly to go as far as he can, as fast as he can.
Up Next: 24-Hour Virtual World Record Attempt
Matthew’s next challenge is a 24-hour Virtual World Record attempt on April 19th, hosted by ENVE and supported by Wahoo, Zwift, Rotor, and BrainStoke.
The attempt will begin at 8am ET on Tempus Fugit with a special robopacer named “24hr-Record”. While it has a different name, the metrics of this bot are identical to Constance. Matthew aims to push his limits, break the record, and do it in a fair and equitable way for all who cycle virtually.
In addition to the physical feat, Matthew is dedicating his ride to his mom, who is battling Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Incentives to give to the National Breast Care Foundation as well as directly to his mom’s treatment will be shared throughout the event.
Join Matthew!
Matthew invites the public to join him virtually (on Zwift) or physically. He will be riding beginning at 8am ET on April 19th.
ENVE HQ will be open to the public during the entirety of the event. If you are local to Ogden, Utah and want to join in person, Matthew’s team will have several indoor bikes set up, including a Zwift Ride and KICKR Core. You’re also welcome to bring your own bike and trainer.
You can join via Zwift by searching for the “24hr-Record” bot on Tempus Fugit. The event will also be streamed live on YouTube and feature interviews with Tyler Pearce (VC Adventures), Hoppo, Marko Baloh, Hayden “Farmwatts” Pucker, Magnus Kulset, Vidmar Mehl, and others.
Details of the event can be found here. Be sure to follow Matthew for updated information: @matthew.lefthand on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Strava, and Zwift.
(Matthew is additionally supported by Formula 369, Cycling Upgrades, MYB Supplements, Ventum, Peak State Fit, Infinity Seat, and Impermanence Counseling Services.)
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