{"id":2093251,"date":"2026-08-13T20:59:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T17:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093251"},"modified":"2026-08-13T20:59:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T17:59:01","slug":"we-still-have-columbine-its-still-a-climbing-race-lauren-stephens-returns-from-last-years-leadville-dsq-for-attempt-at-victory-16-years-in-the-making","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093251","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-2091-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Quinn Simmons returns to Leadville Trail 100 MTB seven years on from his extraordinary teenage debut\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6NUEeJiePnSET8EhXxbGTD-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6NUEeJiePnSET8EhXxbGTD-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I felt stronger than in any other editions&#8217; \u2013 Why Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney can celebrate second at the Tour de France Femmes as much as her 2024 win\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hiumCdXDkdzGYMEUipAvfU-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hiumCdXDkdzGYMEUipAvfU-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;A payback for all the second and third places&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney pulls out all the stops to move within reach of second Tour de France Femmes title\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMountain Bike\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-13T20:59:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;To race it last year was just so special, and this year I&#8217;m back to try to win&#8217; says three-time US gravel national champion about taking over Kate Courtney&#8217;s title at Colorado race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Lauren Stephens (Aegis) rides solo on a climb at 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB, where she had the third best time for women but was disqualified for taking an improper feed<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2aba5274-9747-11f1-ad69-4ffc81ce9721\">You won&#8217;t find Lauren Stephen&#8217;s name in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB results from 2025, though she did cross the finish line with a third-best time for women, for a brief time. Her effort in the mountain bike race was wiped away by a disqualification for accepting aid from a crew member outside an approved elite rider feed zone.<\/p>\n<p>She admitted the mistake and took the hit, confirming to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> hours after the race that she had &#8220;misunderstood the rules&#8221; for elite riders and took a bottle at an aid station for non-elites, adding, &#8220;I&#8217;m not proud of my mistake but I am proud of my performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2aba5274-9747-11f1-ad69-4ffc81ce9721-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A three-time US Gravel National Champion with former road race titles at USPro and Pan American championships, Stephens enjoys riding any bike on any terrain. This year she returns for &#8216;another&#8217; debut at Leadville and aims for the podium. She said it was a race she&#8217;s wanted to win for more than 15 years, but with a busy road calendar that paid the bills didn&#8217;t have room for it until recently.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2026, she&#8217;s committed to the Life Time Grand Prix. For her, Leadville isn&#8217;t just a race in the series, it&#8217;s the one she wants to win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Leadville&#8217;s always kind of been a dream race of mine. So to get to race it last year was just so special. I&#8217;d always said I would race it when I stopped racing full time, and I know I still race full time, but I&#8217;m not racing professionally over in Europe, so it&#8217;s just a current chapter in my career,&#8221; Stephens explained to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> from her high-elevation training base near Telluride, Colorado last week.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was a big goal of mine last year to win it, and finishing third was amazing. And yeah, this year I&#8217;m back to try to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was in 2009 that Lauren Stephens awakened a desire to race, and win, Leadville Trail 100 MTB. She had just watched a documentary, <em>&#8216;Race Across the Sky: the Leadville Trail 100&#8217;,<\/em> and was captivated by the film that featured incredible climbing, a dominant women&#8217;s winner Rebecca Rusch and the men&#8217;s showdown between Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before I was racing and just getting interested in cycling, I remember going to the theatres to watch the movie about Leadville, and just being like, wow, I want to do that one day. Gosh, that was almost 20 years ago,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She is fifth overall in the Life Time Grand Prix going into Leadville this year, with a large spread of 18 points to leader Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e. The Colorado race begins the back half of the series with ample opportunities to move higher in the standings. She opened the year with a runner-up to Villafa\u00f1e in the sprint at Sea Otter Classic on dirt, and on the road won GC titles at Redlands Bicycle Classic, Tour of the Gila and won The Growler at Levi&#8217;s Gran Fondo.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4db7a1c4-9755-11f1-b71f-b7dfc2bda3e8\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lauren Stephens wins third FoCo Fondo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Emily Sierra)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4db7a246-9755-11f1-b1ad-8fe422a6805f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After finishing 15th at Unbound Gravel 200, her first time at that distance after winning the 100-mile event previously, Stephens went second to Kate Courtney at the USPro road race championship. Now it&#8217;s Courtney&#8217;s turn to race on the road in Europe and Stephens stays in the US for off-road endurance.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I want to beat everyone&#8217; &#8211; Defending Unbound 200 winner Karolina Migo\u0144 fully recovered from Traka 360 crash and ready for &#8216;exhausting atmosphere&#8217; in Kansas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From Tour de France Femmes debut to Leadville MTB 100 launch, Unbound winner Rosa Kl\u00f6ser&#8217;s journey of discovery continues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When you look at Unbound being 200 miles, it&#8217;s a different animal. A seven-hour race is much more in my wheelhouse, and being such a climbing race as well,&#8221; she said, noting that her expansive time with road riding has been a solid base, as well as six weeks at elevation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After USPro Nationals in mid-June, she went straight to Colorado rather than her home in Dallas, Texas, a notable difference of nearly 8,000 feet (2,430 metres). She raced Foco Fondo, winning for a third time, and trained around Telluride. The smoke from wildfires was not as noticeable in that area, and she was glad Life Time could make Leadville happen, even with the elimination of some climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s unfortunate about the fires. The new course was pretty much what we expected they would come up with, and so I wasn&#8217;t really surprised by it. We still have Columbine, so it&#8217;s still a climbing race, Stephens said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But not having Powerline at the end definitely changes the race quite a bit. I think it makes Columbine even more important. In general, the way the race was raced before, Columbine caused attrition, caused splits, just by the nature of it being such a long, hard climb and at such high elevation. Powerline was the place where you could make your final attack; now, not having Powerline, I think makes Columbine harder.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She said wind is also a factor on some of the wide-open parts of the route between Turquoise Lake to the north and the Twin Lakes to the south at the base of Columbine. And with 20 miles to go at the end, fatigue came into play on the 20% gradients of the 3.4-mile stretch of Powerline, where she tried to get away from runner-up Melisa Rollins, though Courtney was long gone.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Powerline was basically a wall. Now, there&#8217;s nothing crazy, but after such a long day, everything&#8217;s hard. I mean, we&#8217;re still at almost 10,000 feet of climbing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b7bca50-9748-11f1-81fc-5fa85b9e9a6c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<p>Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/p>\n<p>Life Time Grand Prix<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to beat everyone&#8217; &#8211; Defending Unbound 200 winner Karolina Migo\u0144 fully recovered from Traka 360 crash and ready for &#8216;exhausting atmosphere&#8217; in Kansas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From Tour de France Femmes debut to Leadville MTB 100 launch, Unbound winner Rosa Kl\u00f6ser&#8217;s journey of discovery continues<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Junior TT world champion Megan Arens terminates Picnic-PostNL contract to make mid-season transfer<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB continues with modified route in 2026 due to area impact from wildfires<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Really difficult to go through&#8217; \u2013 C\u00e9lia Gery&#8217;s first comments on Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney controversy at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A declaration of a shared future, ambition\u00a0and trust&#8217; \u2013 Re-emerging German talent Marco Brenner signs one of the longest contracts in cycling<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Still far from reaching his full potential&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe snap up Georg Steinhauser from EF Education-EasyPost<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re heading to Belgium instead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Albert Philipsen faces another injury recovery after training crash leaves him with three fractures<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal: Adri\u00e0 Pericas scores first pro win on stage 7, outfoxing Gu\u00e9rin and Nych in three-up sprint finish<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Arctic Race of Norway: Giovanni Lonardi steals the show in stage 1 sprint<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMountain Bike\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-13T20:59:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;To race it last year was just so special, and this year I&#8217;m back to try to win&#8217; says three-time US gravel national champion about taking over Kate Courtney&#8217;s title at Colorado race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Lauren Stephens (Aegis) rides solo on a climb at 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB, where she had the third best time for women but was disqualified for taking an improper feed<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2aba5274-9747-11f1-ad69-4ffc81ce9721\">You won&#8217;t find Lauren Stephen&#8217;s name in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB results from 2025, though she did cross the finish line with a third-best time for women, for a brief time. Her effort in the mountain bike race was wiped away by a disqualification for accepting aid from a crew member outside an approved elite rider feed zone.<\/p>\n<p>She admitted the mistake and took the hit, confirming to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> hours after the race that she had &#8220;misunderstood the rules&#8221; for elite riders and took a bottle at an aid station for non-elites, adding, &#8220;I&#8217;m not proud of my mistake but I am proud of my performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2aba5274-9747-11f1-ad69-4ffc81ce9721-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A three-time US Gravel National Champion with former road race titles at USPro and Pan American championships, Stephens enjoys riding any bike on any terrain. This year she returns for &#8216;another&#8217; debut at Leadville and aims for the podium. She said it was a race she&#8217;s wanted to win for more than 15 years, but with a busy road calendar that paid the bills didn&#8217;t have room for it until recently.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2026, she&#8217;s committed to the Life Time Grand Prix. For her, Leadville isn&#8217;t just a race in the series, it&#8217;s the one she wants to win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Leadville&#8217;s always kind of been a dream race of mine. So to get to race it last year was just so special. I&#8217;d always said I would race it when I stopped racing full time, and I know I still race full time, but I&#8217;m not racing professionally over in Europe, so it&#8217;s just a current chapter in my career,&#8221; Stephens explained to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> from her high-elevation training base near Telluride, Colorado last week.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was a big goal of mine last year to win it, and finishing third was amazing. And yeah, this year I&#8217;m back to try to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was in 2009 that Lauren Stephens awakened a desire to race, and win, Leadville Trail 100 MTB. She had just watched a documentary, <em>&#8216;Race Across the Sky: the Leadville Trail 100&#8217;,<\/em> and was captivated by the film that featured incredible climbing, a dominant women&#8217;s winner Rebecca Rusch and the men&#8217;s showdown between Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before I was racing and just getting interested in cycling, I remember going to the theatres to watch the movie about Leadville, and just being like, wow, I want to do that one day. Gosh, that was almost 20 years ago,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She is fifth overall in the Life Time Grand Prix going into Leadville this year, with a large spread of 18 points to leader Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e. The Colorado race begins the back half of the series with ample opportunities to move higher in the standings. She opened the year with a runner-up to Villafa\u00f1e in the sprint at Sea Otter Classic on dirt, and on the road won GC titles at Redlands Bicycle Classic, Tour of the Gila and won The Growler at Levi&#8217;s Gran Fondo.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4db7a1c4-9755-11f1-b71f-b7dfc2bda3e8\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lauren Stephens wins third FoCo Fondo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Emily Sierra)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4db7a246-9755-11f1-b1ad-8fe422a6805f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After finishing 15th at Unbound Gravel 200, her first time at that distance after winning the 100-mile event previously, Stephens went second to Kate Courtney at the USPro road race championship. Now it&#8217;s Courtney&#8217;s turn to race on the road in Europe and Stephens stays in the US for off-road endurance.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I want to beat everyone&#8217; &#8211; Defending Unbound 200 winner Karolina Migo\u0144 fully recovered from Traka 360 crash and ready for &#8216;exhausting atmosphere&#8217; in Kansas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From Tour de France Femmes debut to Leadville MTB 100 launch, Unbound winner Rosa Kl\u00f6ser&#8217;s journey of discovery continues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When you look at Unbound being 200 miles, it&#8217;s a different animal. A seven-hour race is much more in my wheelhouse, and being such a climbing race as well,&#8221; she said, noting that her expansive time with road riding has been a solid base, as well as six weeks at elevation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After USPro Nationals in mid-June, she went straight to Colorado rather than her home in Dallas, Texas, a notable difference of nearly 8,000 feet (2,430 metres). She raced Foco Fondo, winning for a third time, and trained around Telluride. The smoke from wildfires was not as noticeable in that area, and she was glad Life Time could make Leadville happen, even with the elimination of some climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s unfortunate about the fires. The new course was pretty much what we expected they would come up with, and so I wasn&#8217;t really surprised by it. We still have Columbine, so it&#8217;s still a climbing race, Stephens said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But not having Powerline at the end definitely changes the race quite a bit. I think it makes Columbine even more important. In general, the way the race was raced before, Columbine caused attrition, caused splits, just by the nature of it being such a long, hard climb and at such high elevation. Powerline was the place where you could make your final attack; now, not having Powerline, I think makes Columbine harder.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She said wind is also a factor on some of the wide-open parts of the route between Turquoise Lake to the north and the Twin Lakes to the south at the base of Columbine. And with 20 miles to go at the end, fatigue came into play on the 20% gradients of the 3.4-mile stretch of Powerline, where she tried to get away from runner-up Melisa Rollins, though Courtney was long gone.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Powerline was basically a wall. Now, there&#8217;s nothing crazy, but after such a long day, everything&#8217;s hard. I mean, we&#8217;re still at almost 10,000 feet of climbing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b7bca50-9748-11f1-81fc-5fa85b9e9a6c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<p>Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/p>\n<p>Life Time Grand Prix<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to beat everyone&#8217; &#8211; Defending Unbound 200 winner Karolina Migo\u0144 fully recovered from Traka 360 crash and ready for &#8216;exhausting atmosphere&#8217; in Kansas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From Tour de France Femmes debut to Leadville MTB 100 launch, Unbound winner Rosa Kl\u00f6ser&#8217;s journey of discovery continues<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Junior TT world champion Megan Arens terminates Picnic-PostNL contract to make mid-season transfer<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB continues with modified route in 2026 due to area impact from wildfires<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p9JHGGU7wWJgT7P9CNuc9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Really difficult to go through&#8217; \u2013 C\u00e9lia Gery&#8217;s first comments on Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney controversy at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A declaration of a shared future, ambition\u00a0and trust&#8217; \u2013 Re-emerging German talent Marco Brenner signs one of the longest contracts in cycling<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Still far from reaching his full potential&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe snap up Georg Steinhauser from EF Education-EasyPost<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re heading to Belgium instead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Albert Philipsen faces another injury recovery after training crash leaves him with three fractures<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal: Adri\u00e0 Pericas scores first pro win on stage 7, outfoxing Gu\u00e9rin and Nych in three-up sprint finish<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Arctic Race of Norway: Giovanni Lonardi steals the show in stage 1 sprint<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMountain Bike\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-13T20:59:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;To race it last year was just so special, and this year I&#8217;m back to try to win&#8217; says three-time US gravel national champion about taking over Kate Courtney&#8217;s title at Colorado race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2aba5274-9747-11f1-ad69-4ffc81ce9721\">You won&#8217;t find Lauren Stephen&#8217;s name in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB results from 2025, though she did cross the finish line with a third-best time for women, for a brief time. Her effort in the mountain bike race was wiped away by a disqualification for accepting aid from a crew member outside an approved elite rider feed zone.<\/p>\n<p>She admitted the mistake and took the hit, confirming to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> hours after the race that she had &#8220;misunderstood the rules&#8221; for elite riders and took a bottle at an aid station for non-elites, adding, &#8220;I&#8217;m not proud of my mistake but I am proud of my performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2aba5274-9747-11f1-ad69-4ffc81ce9721-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A three-time US Gravel National Champion with former road race titles at USPro and Pan American championships, Stephens enjoys riding any bike on any terrain. This year she returns for &#8216;another&#8217; debut at Leadville and aims for the podium. She said it was a race she&#8217;s wanted to win for more than 15 years, but with a busy road calendar that paid the bills didn&#8217;t have room for it until recently.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2026, she&#8217;s committed to the Life Time Grand Prix. For her, Leadville isn&#8217;t just a race in the series, it&#8217;s the one she wants to win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Leadville&#8217;s always kind of been a dream race of mine. So to get to race it last year was just so special. I&#8217;d always said I would race it when I stopped racing full time, and I know I still race full time, but I&#8217;m not racing professionally over in Europe, so it&#8217;s just a current chapter in my career,&#8221; Stephens explained to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> from her high-elevation training base near Telluride, Colorado last week.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8HzT6EVS5DMq5JqQzhTbpg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was a big goal of mine last year to win it, and finishing third was amazing. And yeah, this year I&#8217;m back to try to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was in 2009 that Lauren Stephens awakened a desire to race, and win, Leadville Trail 100 MTB. She had just watched a documentary, <em>&#8216;Race Across the Sky: the Leadville Trail 100&#8217;,<\/em> and was captivated by the film that featured incredible climbing, a dominant women&#8217;s winner Rebecca Rusch and the men&#8217;s showdown between Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6MxEh6KSxfZukhk9hadQc9 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before I was racing and just getting interested in cycling, I remember going to the theatres to watch the movie about Leadville, and just being like, wow, I want to do that one day. Gosh, that was almost 20 years ago,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She is fifth overall in the Life Time Grand Prix going into Leadville this year, with a large spread of 18 points to leader Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e. The Colorado race begins the back half of the series with ample opportunities to move higher in the standings. She opened the year with a runner-up to Villafa\u00f1e in the sprint at Sea Otter Classic on dirt, and on the road won GC titles at Redlands Bicycle Classic, Tour of the Gila and won The Growler at Levi&#8217;s Gran Fondo.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4db7a1c4-9755-11f1-b71f-b7dfc2bda3e8\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfAKpY6HCZP9gm3TDweK2S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lauren Stephens wins third FoCo Fondo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Emily Sierra)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4db7a246-9755-11f1-b1ad-8fe422a6805f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After finishing 15th at Unbound Gravel 200, her first time at that distance after winning the 100-mile event previously, Stephens went second to Kate Courtney at the USPro road race championship. Now it&#8217;s Courtney&#8217;s turn to race on the road in Europe and Stephens stays in the US for off-road endurance.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBZh4h5RLSLrfUFyAPifNa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I want to beat everyone&#8217; &#8211; Defending Unbound 200 winner Karolina Migo\u0144 fully recovered from Traka 360 crash and ready for &#8216;exhausting atmosphere&#8217; in Kansas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KoJkc6ZKQz6XCwSw5n4nHH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From Tour de France Femmes debut to Leadville MTB 100 launch, Unbound winner Rosa Kl\u00f6ser&#8217;s journey of discovery continues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When you look at Unbound being 200 miles, it&#8217;s a different animal. A seven-hour race is much more in my wheelhouse, and being such a climbing race as well,&#8221; she said, noting that her expansive time with road riding has been a solid base, as well as six weeks at elevation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After USPro Nationals in mid-June, she went straight to Colorado rather than her home in Dallas, Texas, a notable difference of nearly 8,000 feet (2,430 metres). She raced Foco Fondo, winning for a third time, and trained around Telluride. The smoke from wildfires was not as noticeable in that area, and she was glad Life Time could make Leadville happen, even with the elimination of some climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s unfortunate about the fires. The new course was pretty much what we expected they would come up with, and so I wasn&#8217;t really surprised by it. We still have Columbine, so it&#8217;s still a climbing race, Stephens said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But not having Powerline at the end definitely changes the race quite a bit. I think it makes Columbine even more important. In general, the way the race was raced before, Columbine caused attrition, caused splits, just by the nature of it being such a long, hard climb and at such high elevation. Powerline was the place where you could make your final attack; now, not having Powerline, I think makes Columbine harder.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She said wind is also a factor on some of the wide-open parts of the route between Turquoise Lake to the north and the Twin Lakes to the south at the base of Columbine. And with 20 miles to go at the end, fatigue came into play on the 20% gradients of the 3.4-mile stretch of Powerline, where she tried to get away from runner-up Melisa Rollins, though Courtney was long gone.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Powerline was basically a wall. Now, there&#8217;s nothing crazy, but after such a long day, everything&#8217;s hard. I mean, we&#8217;re still at almost 10,000 feet of climbing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b7bca50-9748-11f1-81fc-5fa85b9e9a6c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/we-still-have-columbine-its-still-a-climbing-race-lauren-stephens-returns-from-last-years-podium-dq-at-leadville-100-for-attempt-for-win-16-years-in-the-making\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-2091-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Quinn Simmons returns to Leadville Trail 100 MTB seven years on from his extraordinary teenage debut 2 &#8216;I felt stronger than in any other editions&#8217; \u2013 Why Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney can celebrate second at the Tour de France Femmes as much as her 2024 win 3 &#8216;A payback for all the second [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2093251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2093251"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093251\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2093251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2093251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2093251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}