Inside Leadville with Kenda Tire Athletes

As the Leadville Trail 100 MTB barrels toward race day this Saturday, we asked our Kenda-sponsored Life Time Grand Prix athletes to dig into their tire choices, race-day mindset, and performance strategies for one of the hardest one-day mountain bike races in the world. These athletes bring elite-level insight into the prep and execution it takes to thrive at altitude—and how Kenda’s high-performance MTB tires play a critical role.

Tire Choice & Setup

What tire setup are you going with this year, and how do you think that decision will play out across the course’s mix of fast fire roads and chunky descents?
I'm running the KENDA Rush SCT 2.4 tire. I've raced the Rush every year at Leadville because I really believe it is the fastest and best tire for these course conditions. I've changed the tire size over the years because I think the 2.4 SCT gives me a little extra forgiveness and compliance since I'm running the SCOTT Spark Hardtail.

- Hannah

What tire setup did you run last year, and how did it perform throughout the course’s varied terrain?
Last year I ran the Kenda Rush in a 2.4, and I thought it was the perfect tire for Leadville. It rolls fast but still has enough grip to handle the mix of terrain out there. That’s one of the most interesting things about getting ready for Leadville—there’s so much variety on the course that there’s no single “right” answer when it comes to equipment. You just have to find what works best for you and your riding style.

Are you planning any changes to your tire choice or pressure this year based on what you learned in 2024?
Yes, I’m actually planning to run the Rush 2.2 this year at Leadville. I’m prioritizing a slightly lighter setup, and the 2.2s are about 150 grams lighter per tire than the 2.4s I used last year. I tested them during the stage race and was really happy with how they handled, so I feel good about making the switch.

- Melisa

What Kenda tire combo are you
choosing for Leadville this year, and how do you think it will handle the mix
of loose gravel, hardpack, and technical sections?

I’ve been riding on 2.4 Rush on
the course on my hard tail however I am thinking to switch to my Anthem full
suspension on which I will likely use 2.2 Rush.

- Brendan

You’ve been racing on Kenda tires for over five years now. With that level of trust in your setup, how are you approaching tire selection going into this year’s race?
There has been a lot of time to learn my options and it has been cool to see changes to the line up as well. Tire selection at this point really comes down to how the course is running. I try to first figure out what tread will fit best with the way I want to race and then from there figure out how much I want to risk it with casing choice and size.

With your experience and years on Kenda, how have you seen tire tech evolve in this space—and what excites you most about what’s next for high-performance endurance racing?

In the past 5 years, so much has changed and evolved
in the tire space, to be blunt, tires and casings have gotten a lot better! I
feel like we have seen the biggest leap forward in the gravel discipline, but
even MTB has moved closer and closer towards gravel especially in the LTGP
series where a lot of our MTB races average over 18mph! I love seeing the sport
get faster and I think tires are one of the biggest tools in helping athletes
make strides towards tackling courses faster from both a lack of flatting and a
rolling resistance perspective!

- Alexey

Race Preparation & Equipment Strategy

As someone who’s raced Leadville at the front multiple times, how dialed in do you get with things like tire pressure, casing, or width? Do you stick with what’s proven or change it up depending on course conditions?
I have a few things that are proven, but I think the only thing that is consistent in this sport is the constant need to adapt. Over the years the way we race this event has changed and so I've adjusted and changed a few things as well. The changes I've made are very nuanced and likely not even noticeable to some but I think give me an edge. The changes I make are mostly based on how I think the race will play out rather than the actual conditions of the course.

- Hannah

Coming from Australia, Leadville throws a lot at you: altitude, long climbs, fast descents. How did your Kenda setup help you adapt to the unique demands of this course?
I’ve always struggled to perform at Leadville, I think having slim to no exposure to altitude in my career in comparison to a lot of the American athletes is the biggest part. I enjoy the course, it’s actually brutal and would be extremely challenging even at sea level. This year I’ve invested in my chances here by using an altitude tent and also spending 3 weeks in town before the race.

As someone used to stage races and marathon events, how does your tire choice and pressure strategy shift for a high-altitude, high-speed race like Leadville—especially in your first season with Kenda?
I mean the Kenda tire I find can be ran quite low, and I guess having so much time here on the Leadville course I can really dial in the pressure I will use on race day.

- Brendan

After racing Leadville so many times, what’s the one mindset shift or race-day habit you’d recommend to riders chasing their first big endurance finish?
Leadville is unique, but my biggest advice about Leadville is PACE YOURSELF, I am sure you have heard it before, but it is no joke up above 10,000 ft. I tell most riders if you are going above a 7 out of 10 on the way out to Columbine, you are in for a rough day!

- Alexey

Personal Motivation & Goals

You’ve been remarkably consistent at Leadville over the years. What keeps you coming back to this race, and what drives that level of performance?
This race is very special to me, in fact, I think it's my
absolute favorite race. It's a very unique experience, to race for 100 miles at
10,000 feet. It's the kind of challenge that forces adaptability. Every year
you show up to this year, it will feel a little different, your body will
respond slightly different. I love the challenge in that and I love the way
this race always finds a way to take you to your limits. When I stand on start
line, I always look back at the Sea of People taking on the challenge. Everyone
there is attempting to do something hard, and everyone there has overcome
something to get to that start line. It's a moment of empowerment, to stand
with so many people vulnerably attempting to give something their all. And, for
every person on that start line there are 5 people that wish they could be.
When the race gets really hard, I think of those people and I channel my energy
into gratitude for even the opportunity to try.

- Hannah

Last year you took the win at Leadville—what do you think
were the key factors that helped you come out on top?

I’ve been lucky enough to come up to Leadville for a lot of years! Last year was actually my 7th time finishing the race, and my parents have been racing it for almost three decades. I’ve been around it for most of my life and have access to a ton of course knowledge. I think everyone shows up fit and well-prepared, but knowing the course inside and out really helped me make smart decisions on race day. That definitely gave me an edge.

- Melisa

You’ve steadily climbed the ranks at Leadville—and now you’re heading into 2025 as a new Kenda athlete. What’s motivating you going into this season, and how are you hoping to build on that momentum?
I’m feeling more motivated here in Leadville I think due to my position in the LTGP series. I think in the beginning of the season I was just targeting some events for a win like Unbound for instance. However the way the first two rounds have gone it’s placed me in second place in the standings which has made me feel like I should really try and do my best for a result At Leadville even with the challenges it presents.

With multiple solid Leadville finishes now under your belt and new equipment dialed, what are your goals moving forward—are you eyeing a top 10, or just continuing to fine-tune the formula?
I always am cautious with my goals at Leadville because it’s a really challenging day out for everyone obviously but I have t really performed to my expectations here in the past so I guess I have just tried to do as many things as life (and budget) allow to prepare for it. Like I say I’m up there in second place in the standings and would ideally like to stay there into the eastern rounds of the LTGP.

- Brendan

At Kenda Tires, we’re proud to support these incredible athletes who push their limits in events like the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. From smart strategy to trusted tire setups, they show us what it means to race with grit, experience, and heart.

We appreciate all the effort our athletes put into preparing and competing—and we want to wish EVERYONE racing this weekend the very best of luck.

Whether you're watching from the sidelines or grinding it out on course, don't forget to check out the tires trusted by our pros