'This is my love letter back to the sport' - Peter Stetina hands out silver ingots to Paydirt winners Samara Sheppard and Justin Peck

Peter Stetina’s Paydirt gravel race in Carson City, Nevada, concluded with New Zealand’s Samara Sheppard and American Justin Peck taking the overall victories in the women’s and men’s categories respectively. The event featured a unique format with a mass start and four timed segments over a 71-mile course combining dirt, gravel, and singletrack trails. The competition was fierce, with Peck narrowly edging out Kyle Ward and Lachlan Morton by just 35 seconds, a margin decided on a challenging 9.5-mile climb known as Clear Creek. The race’s design emphasises inclusivity and community, with riders of all abilities taking part and juniors racing free of charge. Stetina, co-founder and former professional racer, described the event as a “love letter back to the sport,” highlighting its distinctive character and the blend of competitive timed sectors with more relaxed riding between them. The course’s varied terrain and “high desert chaos” create a memorable experience that stands apart from traditional all-out racing formats. Winners at Paydirt receive more than just prize money; they are awarded custom hand-cast silver ingots, a nod to Nevada’s nickname as the Silver State. Sheppard, who competes in the Life Time Grand Prix series, praised the event’s spirit and atmosphere, noting the opportunity to race hard on timed sections while enjoying the camaraderie and scenic gravel roads. The presence of a strong junior field also signals a healthy future for gravel racing, a point Stetina emphasised as he winds down his own two-decade racing career. As a seasoned rider transitioning into coaching, Stetina remains deeply involved in the gravel scene, supporting riders and fostering the sport’s growth. Paydirt serves as a key fixture on the gravel calendar, attracting elite competitors preparing for major events like Unbound Gravel. With its innovative format and community focus, the race exemplifies the evolving nature of gravel racing and its appeal to a broad spectrum of cyclists.