This weekend, history was made in Switzerland by Utah’s own Keegan Swenson!
Keegan crossed the line as the first American man ever to win the Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) World Championship at the UCI Marathon Mountain Bike World Championship. The race stretched across 125 kilometers of rugged alpine terrain, climbing nearly 5,000 meters.
Six hours of Swiss punishment, capped with the infamous Pas de Lona…a wall so steep it forces even the best to shoulder their bikes and grind up on foot. Oxygen was scarce and the stakes were high and Keegan held on to claim the rainbow jersey.
His finishing time? 6:01:44.
His margin? Just seconds.
His legacy? Cemented!
And as if that wasn’t enough, Kate Courtney backed it up with a win of her own, taking the women’s title and completing a historic sweep for the U.S. The stars and stripes now shine brighter on the world stage.
A Story of Redemption
What makes Keegan’s victory even more meaningful isn’t just the medal or the jersey. It’s the journey that led him there.
Earlier this year, after a brutal Cape Epic, Keegan admitted he thought about walking away from mountain bike racing altogether. The toll of high-level racing from the grind, the setbacks, the heartbreak, all nearly pushed him out of the sport he has poured his life into. But instead of quitting, Keegan doubled down! He turned disappointment into determination, frustration into fire.
In Switzerland, that fire fueled every climb and every pedal stroke. The kind of quiet perseverance that doesn’t make the highlight reel but makes all the difference when the race tips into the red zone.
His own description? “A long day, long climbs, and a bit of oxygen deprivation.” An understatement if we’ve ever heard one. What it really was: grit, patience, and the heart of a true champion!
The Invisible Edge That Wasn’t So Invisible
Here’s something that makes this win even sweeter: Keegan raced with Tannus Tubeless Inserts in his wheels.
That rainbow jersey wasn’t just powered by legs, lungs, and grit, it was also protected by the quiet confidence of inserts. On a course known for brutal climbs, sharp rocks, and punishing descents, the advantage was simple:
- Lower tire pressures for more grip on loose alpine terrain.
- Protection against rim strikes on high-speed descents.
- Confidence to attack when others were just trying to survive.
They’re not flashy. They didn’t get their own podium photo. But they were there, working invisibly, doing exactly what they’re designed to do.
Our Guy, Our Pride
Keegan has been part of the Tannus family for years, and this win feels like one of our own. Seeing him ride into history, with our inserts along for the journey, makes us proud beyond words.
This isn’t just about the product, it’s about people. It’s about the resilience to rise after setbacks, the courage to chase a dream, and the grit to carry it through. That’s what Keegan showed in Switzerland, and that’s why we’ll always back riders like him.
We’re beyond stoked for Keegan and proud to see an American sweep the rainbow jerseys in Switzerland. From Utah’s Wasatch to the heights of the Alps, this victory is a reminder that grit, resilience, and the right support, both from people and from products, can lead to moments that change history.
Congrats, Keegan. The rainbow jersey suits you!
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