{"id":243890,"date":"2026-05-17T23:04:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T23:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/this-is-my-love-letter-back-to-the-sport-peter-stetina-hands-out-silver-ingets-to-paydirt-winners-samara-sheppard-and-justin-peck\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T23:04:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T23:04:12","slug":"this-is-my-love-letter-back-to-the-sport-peter-stetina-hands-out-silver-ingets-to-paydirt-winners-samara-sheppard-and-justin-peck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/this-is-my-love-letter-back-to-the-sport-peter-stetina-hands-out-silver-ingets-to-paydirt-winners-samara-sheppard-and-justin-peck\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;This is my love letter back to the sport&#8217; &#8211; Peter Stetina hands out silver ingets to Paydirt winners Samara Sheppard and Justin Peck"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p id=\"elk-eefc06b2-751d-4473-89bd-4e9efc669054\">Samara Sheppard went back and forth against Flavia Oliveira Parks in the women&#8217;s overall at Stetina&#8217;s Paydirt on Saturday in Nevada, with the New Zealander pulling out the elite victory on the fourth and final timed section.<\/p>\n<p>Justin Peck edged Kyle Ward and Lachlan Morton for the overall men&#8217;s win at Paydirt. The trio were separated by just 35 seconds, the difference also made on Clear Creek, a 9.5-mile climb with 1,455 feet of elevation gain.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-eefc06b2-751d-4473-89bd-4e9efc669054-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Event co-founder Peter Stetina works to keep the Carson City, Nevada event a celebration for riders of all abilities, with some &#8220;high desert chaos to keep things interesting&#8221; for the elite field. There is a mass start for all riders, with four timed segments on the Long Course, 71.18 miles, with winners determined with cumulative times on the segments.<\/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-mobile\"\/><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container=\"\">\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            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&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The old way of all-out racing is not the way at Stetina&#8217;s Carson City Paydirt,&#8221; the Paydirt website promises.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The timing started at mile 3.5, with a moderate grade for 8.5miles. The second segment was the longest at 18.4 miles, Pine Nuts, but only half of this is a climb, averaging 3%. The segment is known for a rough, sandy track and the back-half descends on a rougher path into Brunswick Canyon. New singletrack awaits on the 7.1-mile third timed section at Lower Jack&#8217;s Valley that ends with some pavement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The final timed segment was all climbing, and it made the difference.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What we\u2019re doing here in Northern Nevada is unique and special,&#8221; Stetina confirmed on social media. &#8220;Ask any attendee and it\u2019s very different but it just works. This is my love letter back to the sport that\u2019s given me everything.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cmvBpvu38DcE2Mf8XGA4Fn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cmvBpvu38DcE2Mf8XGA4Fn 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<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<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-imageGallery-cmvBpvu38DcE2Mf8XGA4Fn-iA0hcIkguflJbmv0vJQiRo4Vw7G3FCGf\" class=\"slice-container imageGallery-wrapper imageGallery-cmvBpvu38DcE2Mf8XGA4Fn-iA0hcIkguflJbmv0vJQiRo4Vw7G3FCGf slice-container-imageGallery\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"inline-gallery first-slide-only\">\n<p>Image <!-- -->1<!-- --> of <!-- -->4<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:hidden\" class=\"inline-gallery__items\">\n<div style=\"-webkit-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-transition:all 0s ease 0s;transition:all 0s ease 0s;-webkit-transform:translate(0%, 0);transform:translate(0%, 0);direction:ltr;display:flex;will-change:transform\" class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\">\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1200px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.66666666666666%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Much of the Paydirt course was on dirt and gravel roads\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6wjcfHCwqgrD5hyKRg3gM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Much of the Paydirt course was on dirt and gravel roads<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Wil Matthews Photo \/ @visu_wil)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:2400px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.70833333333334%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Juniors raced for free\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9553yGrhz8RP6jQLuo5ZTi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Juniors raced for free, and with timed segments, could enjoy rest stops on the route<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Linda Guerrette Photography)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1200px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.66666666666666%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Open men's division podium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEyKMG7AJPn429gc3RfGhM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Open men&#8217;s division podium<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Wil Matthews Photo \/ @visu_wil)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1200px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.66666666666666%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Open women's division podium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EzL5dtiz8uy3U6kpURxwnM.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Open women&#8217;s division podium<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Wil Matthews Photo \/ @visu_wil)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f60a718b-1313-4844-8e31-b3db2dc47aaa\">Many of the elite riders stop in Nevada before the sojourn to the Flint Hills of Kansas for Unbound Gravel in two weeks. On the line at Paydirt are bragging rights, but also one-ounce silver ingots with custom hand-cast design, paying homage to the Silver State. The rewards at Paydirt are related to prize purses, but having a community and a place to ride.<\/p>\n<p>Sheppard is one of the invitation-only riders in the Life Time Grand Prix and sits in seventh place on the series leaderboard going to Unbound 200.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The spirit of gravel is still alive and well with Stetina&#8217;s Paydirt. Loved racing the timed sectors, then enjoying the gravel roads and singletrack between sections with other riders and stopping in the feed zones to refuel. Proper cowboy country out there,&#8221; Sheppard said.<\/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\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            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&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;And a pretty cool chunky silver medallion from the Silver State to take home too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Also significant for the event is a field of 60 or so junior riders, who all race for free. This shows Stetina &#8220;the future of this sport is in good hands&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The 38-year-old Stetina is closing out a 20-year career of racing road and gravel this season. With a limited gravel calendar for Canyon as a privateer, Stetina is also a coach for Canyon riders. He is a former winner of The Traka 360 and has finished multiple times in the top 10 at Unbound 200. He finished sixth at The Mid South this season and in the top 30 at another Traka 360, but will be in his coaching role for Unbound.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Gravel26\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Gravel26\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Gravel26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/this-is-my-love-letter-back-to-the-sport-peter-stetina-hands-out-silver-ingets-to-paydirt-winners-samara-sheppard-and-justin-peck\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Samara Sheppard went back and forth against Flavia Oliveira Parks in the women&#8217;s overall at Stetina&#8217;s Paydirt on Saturday in Nevada, with the New Zealander pulling out the elite victory on the fourth and final timed section. Justin Peck edged Kyle Ward and Lachlan Morton for the overall men&#8217;s win at Paydirt. The trio were [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":243891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-243890","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243890"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243890\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/243891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}