What you accomplished at Unbound this year wasn’t just about a race—it was about 200 miles of grueling terrain, unbearable heat, and the kind of sacrifice most people will never understand. It’s the relentless early mornings, the endless miles of preparation, the mental battles no one sees. What you did out there is the pinnacle of what we stand for—courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are beyond proud to have each of you on the Kenda tires. You inspire us and the entire gravel community.
Brendan Johnston: Precision, Patience, Podium
Brendan delivered an outstanding performance at Unbound, securing a 5th place podium finish in one of the most competitive gravel fields in the world. His tactical precision and deep endurance were on full display as he navigated the chaos of the early miles, positioned himself smartly through key selection points, and stayed aggressive when it mattered most. Brendan’s ability to stay calm under pressure and execute a near-flawless race earned him not just a career highlight, but also serious respect from the Grand Prix series community.
“Unbound 200 never disappoints—what a day out there. Finishing 5th against such a stacked field means a lot, and I couldn’t be more stoked about how the bike handled. The 2.2 Kenda Rush tires gave me the confidence to stay aggressive all day—fast-rolling, tons of grip, and zero issues through the gnarly stuff. Huge thanks to Kenda for making gear I can count on when it matters most.” - Brendan Johnston
Brendan’s podium is a testament to his consistency, his mental strength, and his trust in his equipment. He’s setting the bar high for what’s possible out there.
Melisa Rollins: Quiet Consistency
Melisa once again delivered a hard-fought ride, finishing 14th with perseverance. She navigated the grueling miles and changing course conditions with smart race tactics, having a major issue but staying strong when it counted most. Her steady presence at the front of the women’s field is proof of her growing strength and resilience in gravel’s toughest events.
In her own words
Unbound is one of those races that demands everything, not just on the day but in the months leading up to it. I put a lot into the preparation, knowing how deep and competitive the women's field would be this year. I made it into the main chase group and stayed there until around mile 100, when a mechanical forced me off the back. From there, it was a solo effort to the finish. I was able to catch a few riders in the second half but never made it back to the front group. It wasn’t the day I had envisioned, but I’m proud that I never gave up. I fought for every mile, and finishing 14th in a field like this is something I’m proud of. I’m leaving Emporia with lessons, motivation, and a hunger to keep building for what’s ahead.
"14th at Unbound in the deepest women’s field to date. It was a long, gritty day, but I’m proud to have fought to the finish. Grateful for the effort and excited to build on it heading into the rest of the season." - Melisa Rollins
Alexey Vermeulen: Redemption, Reflection, and Resilience
Alexey returned to Unbound with a mission—to settle unfinished business with the North Course that had nearly broken him in his first attempt back in 2021. This year, he left nothing to chance: two bikes, six sets of wheels, a dedicated eight-person support crew, and pre-race content that showcased his goals and passion. Alexey rode smart through the early chaos, clawing back to the front group after key splits. Despite perfect execution, solid nutrition, and a flawless bike, he finished 24th—a result that didn’t match the effort he poured into the day. Still, it’s a performance that exemplifies the heart of a true competitor: the willingness to care so deeply that even disappointment becomes fuel.
“You have to care, personally, deep inside. It has to hurt when something you put so much time and effort into doesn’t go well—but at the same time, you have to be able to put it into perspective, smile, and get back to work.” - Alexey Vermeulen
Hannah Otto: Grit, Grace, and Unshakable Determination
Hannah Otto faced an unbelievable battle: a crash at mile 40 left her over the bars and on the ground, but she rallied, clawing her way back to the group. When the brutal Kansas heat struck at mile 110, she spent the next 90 miles pushing through relentless nausea, ultimately finishing 17th overall and 8th in the Lifetime Grand Prix standings. She never thought of quitting, viewing every setback as just another part of racing. Hannah’s tenacity extended beyond her own ride—she returned to Highland Hill post-race to cheer on amateur riders fighting to “beat the sun,” embodying the best of this sport’s community spirit.
“I raced the KENDA Crusher in a 45mm and I think it was the perfect tire for the day. It felt fast and aero through all of the high-speed sections and the corner knobs gave me confidence on the minimum maintenance roads. I felt like I could push the tires as hard as I needed to.” - Hannah Otto
Sienna Hermon: Breakthrough Performance
Sienna put together a career-best ride at Unbound, pushing herself to new limits and delivering an impressive result in one of the most competitive gravel races on the calendar. Her tenacity through the brutal mid-day heat and her smart management of the course’s toughest sectors showed grit well beyond her years.
"I ran the Kenda Crusher 45's for Unbound 200. I absolutely love these tires. This was my second time racing on them and yet again I had no problems. They were very fast and even in the technical sections they felt great." - Siena Hermon
Emma Grant: Unwavering Spirit
Emma took on the day with her signature determination and toughness, unfortunately she got caught up in one of the first big field crashes. Powering onto the first aid station where she made a tactical decision to pull the plug and tend to her wounds. Emma told us that she wanted to take the time to heal and be ready and fresh for SBT.
"I opted for Kenda Alluviums in 45s, they have served me flawlessly for the previous 2 Unbound's and so we have built up some trust!!" - Emma Grant
Kayla Yuengling: Grit on Full Display
Kayla showcased incredible resolve as she tackled the relentless Unbound course. Her perseverance through the Kansas heat and rugged terrain was inspiring, demonstrating what it means to keep showing up and giving everything to the finish line. Her progress is a testament to her growing confidence and dedication to the sport.
“Unbound doesn’t just test your legs - it tests your belief in yourself” - Kayla Yeungling
My primary goal for the day was to suffer well. I didn't know what hurdles exactly I would encounter on the day; I just knew that at some point, things would get really hard.
"Reflecting on the 200 miles of unrelenting racing with chaos, carnage, mud, dust, heat, and wind has really left me thinking: that was insane!" - Emma Langley
Thank you all for your passion, your resilience, and for showing the gravel world what the Kenda family is made of. You continue to inspire us.
With deep respect and admiration,
The Kenda Team