"Mountain bike world champion Kate Courtney commences her run at the Leadville 100 race, a test against both her and the grueling track, following a mandatory break due to wrist surgery."
In a stunning display of endurance and skill, American mountain bike racer Kate Courtney has broken the women's course record at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. The 2018 World Champion, 2019 World Cup champion, and 2020 Olympian completed the gruelling 100-mile race in 6 hours, 48 minutes, and 55 seconds, shattering a decade-old mark by over 10 minutes.
Courtney's victory was a solo effort, as she rode alone for more than half of the race at high elevation. Her preparation for the race included racing the Leadville Stage Race the previous year, where she finished second, gaining valuable experience riding at altitude and tackling rugged climbs.
This impressive performance comes after a several-month hiatus from the World Cup circuit due to a hand injury. Courtney returned to competition at Leadville with determination, expressing pride in her achievement and noting uncertainty about breaking the record until the final stretch.
The victory at Leadville underscores Courtney's versatility and stamina, demonstrating her capability beyond traditional cross-country formats. While it may complement her cross-country career by building endurance and experience in ultra-distance events, there is no indication she is shifting her primary focus away from cross-country mountain bike racing.
Following her triumph in Colorado, Courtney has her sights set on the final four mountain bike World Cups and the XCO and Marathon World Championships in Switzerland. The Leadville Trail 100 MTB is the third stop of six off-road events in the Life Time Grand Prix series, where Courtney is currently competing alongside Cecily Decker, Lauren De Crescenzo, Cecile Lejeune, and Hayley Preen.
The Leadville Trail 100 MTB race, held in Colorado, starts at an elevation of 10,158 feet (3,096 metres) above sea level and peaks at 12,500 feet (3,810 metres). Among the U23 women in the field is Michaela Thompson, who was third overall in Leadville last year.
Courtney's new hardware in her wrist did not seem to be an issue during the races, and her recent sponsorship deals with Rivian, Rapha, and Red Bull are likely to bolster her competitive edge in both cross-country and endurance racing.
The Leadville Trail 100 MTB is a historic race where times can be compared, making Courtney's record-breaking performance even more significant. As she continues her journey in the world of mountain biking, Courtney's status as a leading figure in endurance racing is undoubtedly solidified.
Sports enthusiasts can place bets on the upcoming mountain biking events as American mountain bike racer Kate Courtney, winner of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race, aims to excel in the final four mountain bike World Cups and the XCO and Marathon World Championships in Switzerland. Courtney's victory in mix-martial-arts could also attract attention, as her continuous training and determination have solidified her as a leading figure in both sports-betting and endurance racing.
