LEADVILLE, Colo. (July 11, 2021) — The Stages Cycling Silver Rush 50 MTB welcomed a field of over 530 riders representing 47 states and 5 countries to Leadville for a technical out-and-back course complete with glorious mountain views through a historic mining district. Riders ranging from age 15 to 67 years old took on various event challenges, pedaling approximately 8,000 feet of elevation gain this past weekend in the 50-mile race. The endurance weekend also included a Silver Rush 15-mile MTB ride and a 50-mile ride relay option, in which two participants tackle the 50-mile course through an exchange at the Stumptown Aid Station.
Endurance enthusiasts up for an even bigger challenge were invited to sign up for the Silver Queen and Silver King, first completing the Silver Rush 50 Run on Saturday and then the Stages Cycling Silver Rush 50 MTB on Sunday. This past weekend, approximately 50 athletes finished both events within the allotted time and walked away with the Silver King / Silver Queen title.
In the women’s 50-mile MTB division, Kate McLaughlin, 33, of Golden, Colo. placed first with a finish time of 4:41:25. Tracy Paradise, 47, of Victoria, Minn. secured second place with a finish time of 5:03:32 and Nicole Martin, 33, of Vail, Colo. placed third in the division with a completion time of 5:08:13.
For the men’s 50-mile MTB division, Jimmy Smith, 27, of Boulder, Colo. placed first with a finish time of 3:46:45. Brian Elander, 20, of Evergreen, Colo. secured second place with a finish time of 3:51:24 and Ryan Petry, 30, of Boulder, Colo. placed third in the division with a completion time of 3:53:41.
In the women’s 15-mile MTB division, Amelia Shea, 31, of Denver, Colo. placed first with a finish time of 1:13:01. Christina Briseno, 51 of Leadville, Colo. secured second place with a finish time of 1:23:45 and Hillary Schmidt, 30, of Frisco, Colo. placed third in the division with a completion time of 1:32:54.
In the men’s 15-mile MTB division, Sean Herring, 31, of Denver, Colo. placed first with a finish time of 1:04:58. Matt Cairns, 16, of Leadville, Colo. secured second place with a finish time of 1:07:30 and Peter Monko, 41, of Chicago, IL placed third in the division with a completion time of 1:10:00.
