Hans Troyer | 2026 Western States 100 Pre-Race Interview
6/22/202638 min
These are the times! Hans Troyer joins us in the studio for his first-ever (longer form) appearance on the Singletrack Podcast.
Hans has had an exciting recent build to Western States, including a win at the Twisted Fork 30K and a training camp in Flagstaff with the Hoka team. Beyond that, on the biggest stages of the sport, he is on a roll demonstrating his greatness with a course record victory at the Black Canyon 100K back in February and an impressive win at JFK late last year.
Hans took 8th place at his debut here last June, but expectations are higher for his return. Many consider him one of the favorites for the win here and part of the cohort of superstars that could break the fabled 14-hour barrier on the course.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsFinn Melanson· Host0:00
Norda is the official footwear partner of our 2026 Western States 100 coverage. All the rage this summer is the imminent release of their new model, the 055, the shoe that Rachel Entrickin wore start to finish en route to her course record victory at the Cocodona 250 earlier this year. Go check it out at nordarun.com, and make sure you are subscribed to their mailing list to get exclusive early access to the shoe. I've put a bunch of training miles in it. It's the real deal. We're back. For the fourth consecutive year, we are here in our Olympic Valley studio celebrating the 2026 Western States 100, and we're kicking things off with Hans Troyer, but I also have to introduce my trusty co-host, Brett Hornig, who is back with me in the trenches again. Brett, it's fantastic to have you here.
Brett Hornig· Host0:45
It's been another, another lap around the sun. [laughs] Feels like birthday week. Maybe even better. Best week of the year.
Finn Melanson· Host0:53
Best- Back in the Singletrack HQ. And we've got Hans Troyer here, uh, someone who-- I guess we had you on the podcast very briefly for the, the HOKA announcement earlier this year, which was exciting news, but haven't had you for, like, this type of conversation, so thanks for joining us.
Hans Troyer· Guest1:10
Absolutely. Really excited to be here.
Finn Melanson· Host1:12
We gotta start with a burning question. I just found out that you're super into Super Smash Brothers, and I think- Which one?
Hans Troyer· Guest1:20
Melee.
Brett Hornig· Host1:21
Oh.
Hans Troyer· Guest1:22
On the GameCube.
Brett Hornig· Host1:23
Okay.
Finn Melanson· Host1:23
Okay, so you're on the GameCube. I was on the 64. I think- 64.
Brett Hornig· Host1:28
But I've dabbled in Melee, but