Deanna Mayles Dominates Breck Epic, Claims Overall Title in Colorado
Kenda-supported athlete Deanna Mayles delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 Breck Epic, winning the overall General Classification and taking victory in every stage she raced during the prestigious mountain bike stage race held August 9–14 in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Known for its high-altitude racing, demanding backcountry climbs, technical descents, and iconic Rocky Mountain terrain, the Breck Epic attracts riders from around the world. The 2026 event hosted approximately 600 athletes representing 21 countries, along with more than 1,500 supporters. Although the race was shortened when Stage 5 was canceled due to weather, Mayles left no doubt about who was the strongest rider in the field.
Racing on trails she considers part of her backyard, the Colorado Springs resident opened the week with a stage win and never looked back. By the end of the event, she had built a commanding lead and secured the overall title with a total race time of 17:42:29.
"Breck Epic throws a huge variety of terrain at you that tire choice really matters," said Mayles. "The Rush was fast and efficient for the race and the climbs, while the Dagger gave me the extra confidence I wanted for the technical Colorado Trail descent. I loved being able to choose the right Kenda tire for each stage and knowing my tire choice gave me an advantage, whether that meant low rolling resistance or extra traction and confidence on the descents, while always having excellent puncture protection in the Rocky Mountains."
Throughout the week, Mayles adapted her equipment to the unique demands of each stage. She raced the Kenda Rush front and rear on Stages 1–3 and Stage 6 to maximize efficiency on long climbs, rolling terrain, and gravel sections. For the most technical terrain of the event, she switched to the Kenda Dagger front and rear, gaining additional confidence and control on rugged descents and rocky backcountry trails.
Most impressively, Mayles completed the entire event without a single puncture despite the notoriously unforgiving Colorado terrain.
The victory marks another major milestone in Mayles' rapid rise within endurance mountain biking. Having only started racing in 2020, she continues to establish herself as one of the premier off-road athletes in North America. After crossing the finish line as the new Breck Epic champion, Mayles described the achievement as one she had been chasing for years.
"It's awesome to win," said Mayles. "I didn't feel my racing career was complete until I won this. It's really special. It's still sinking in."
Congratulations to Deanna on an unforgettable week in Breckenridge and a dominant performance aboard Kenda tires.
