Life Time Grand Prix Reveals 2026 Wild Card Roster — Six Spots, $350,000 on the Line

The road to the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix just got a lot more interesting with the unveiling of the Wild Card roster.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Life Time has officially unveiled the 2026 Wild Card roster for the Life Time Grand Prix, and these aren't just filler spots - they're career launchpads. Six riders (three women and three men) will earn their way into the series and chase a record $350,000 equal-pay prize purse. The Wild Card hopefuls must prove themselves across two of the most demanding early-season races: the Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel and the Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano.

Why it matters

The Wild Card system keeps the door cracked open for hungry riders to kick it off the hinges. With $350,000 in equal-pay prize money up for grabs and the deepest field yet lining up, the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix won't be handed to anyone. If last season proved anything, it's that the next overall champion might already be on this Wild Card list — and they're coming in with nothing to lose.

The details

The Wild Card hopefuls must contest both the Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel on April 16, 2026 and the Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano on May 30, 2026. The top combined performers across the two races will earn entry into the full 2026 Life Time Grand Prix series. The women's field is stacked with experience, youth, and international firepower, including names like Lejla Njemcevic, Haley Smith, Emily Newsom, Caitlyn Kellogg, and Laurie Arseneault. The men's list reads like a who's-who of off-road horsepower and dark-horse potential, with standouts like Russell Finsterwald, Dylan Johnson, Lance Haidet, Martins Blums, Alban Lakata, and Cory Wallace.

  • The Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel will take place on April 16, 2026.
  • The Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano will take place on May 30, 2026.

The players

Lejla Njemcevic

The reigning marathon world champion with serious gravel credentials.

Haley Smith

A consistent North American off-road force.

Russell Finsterwald

A former MTB national champion with elite gravel legs.

Dylan Johnson

A data-driven gravel specialist.

Kimo Seymour

The Senior VP of Events at Life Time.

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What they’re saying

“the Wild Card selection has quickly become one of the most anticipated components of the series — and the depth of this year's roster reflects just how competitive off-road cycling has become.”

— Kimo Seymour, Senior VP of Events at Life Time

What’s next

The Wild Card hopefuls must prove themselves across the Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel on April 16, 2026 and the Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano on May 30, 2026. The top combined performers across the two races will earn entry into the full 2026 Life Time Grand Prix series.

The takeaway

The Life Time Grand Prix has become the proving ground for modern off-road racing in North America, with the Wild Card system keeping the door open for hungry riders to make a name for themselves. The 2026 roster is stacked with experienced veterans and rising stars, all vying for a share of the $350,000 equal-pay prize purse and a chance to become the next overall champion.