The Leadville Stage Race served as the perfect proving ground for Kenda-sponsored professional athletes Hannah Otto and Emma Langley as they prepared for the iconic Leadville Trail 100. Both riders trusted the K-Series Rush throughout the three-day event, using the race to fine-tune equipment choices while tackling the demanding high-altitude terrain.
With this year's course redesigned due to the Colorado wildfires, competitors faced an entirely new challenge that combined rocky singletrack, loose technical descents, and fast gravel roads. The varied terrain offered valuable insight into bike setup and tire performance ahead of one of mountain biking's most prestigious endurance races.
Hannah Otto Finishes Second Overall
Hannah Otto used the Leadville Stage Race as a key training block in preparation for the Leadville Trail 100 and turned in an impressive performance, finishing 2nd overall in the women's race and 8th overall among all competitors.
Racing on the K-Series Rush, Otto took advantage of the redesigned course to evaluate her setup, test tire options, and gauge how her altitude preparation was progressing.
"The Leadville Stage Race was the perfect opportunity to test out tire choices ahead of the Leadville 100 in a couple of weeks," said Otto. "I came in with an idea of what tires I planned to run and after a few days of testing, I left with a different plan. Making informed decisions is one of the most empowering and confidence-inspiring things there is."
Otto's runner-up finish reinforced the speed, efficiency, and confidence the K-Series Rush provides while also helping her make informed equipment decisions before returning to Leadville in just a few weeks.
Emma Langley Earns Third Overall
Emma Langley also delivered a consistent performance, finishing third on Stages 1, 2, and 3 to secure 3rd overall in the General Classification.
Langley relied on the K-Series Rush 2.4 front and rear throughout the race. The fast-rolling tread excelled on the classic Leadville sections, while the newly introduced technical trails gave her valuable feedback as she finalizes her setup for the Leadville Trail 100.
"As a Leadville first-timer, the Stage Race was an experience I will never forget. I made my tire selection based on what I knew about the original course, so I raced on the K-Series Rush 2.4 front and rear. We were thrown a curveball with far more technical terrain on stages 1 and 3, but I stuck with the K-Series Rush to see how it would feel, and it sure was fast! If the Leadville 100 features more of the challenging East Leadville trails this year, I will pivot to the K-Series Dagger for a little more bite, but I know either choice will provide both traction and speed."
Confidence Heading into the Leadville Trail 100
The Leadville Stage Race once again proved to be an invaluable opportunity for riders to evaluate equipment under race conditions, and for both Otto and Langley, the K-Series Rush delivered the speed and performance needed to compete at the front of the field.
With Hannah Otto earning 2nd overall and Emma Langley finishing 3rd overall, both athletes leave Leadville with podium finishes, valuable race data, and the confidence to take on the Leadville Trail 100 in just a few weeks.