Peter Stetina awards silver ingots to Paydirt winners

On May 17, 2026, Peter Stetina awarded silver ingots to the winners of Paydirt, Samara Sheppard and Justin Peck, during an event held in Carson City, Nevada. The Paydirt event featured a mass start for all riders and emphasized a celebration for participants of varying abilities, according to Stetina, a co-founder of the event. Samara Sheppard, competing in the women's overall, went head-to-head with Flavia Oliveira Parks but ultimately secured the elite victory on the fourth and final timed section. In the men's race, Justin Peck narrowly edged out Kyle Ward and Lachlan Morton for the overall win, with just a 35-second difference separating the top three at the finish. This difference was partly attributed to their performance on Clear Creek, a notably challenging 9.5-mile climb with 1,455 feet of elevation gain.

The competition was designed to incorporate four timed segments along an extensive 71.18-mile Long Course, encouraging riders to demonstrate their skills across diverse terrains, including sections noted for rough and sandy tracks. Stetina expressed his passion for the sport through the event, saying, "This is my love letter back to the sport that’s given me everything." He mentioned that the unique aspects of the course made it special, inviting all participants to revel in the camaraderie of gravel riding.

As part of the rewards, competitors received custom hand-cast one-ounce silver ingots, reflective of Nevada’s nickname as the Silver State. The event also hosted a junior category, allowing around 60 young riders to race for free. Sheppard, one of the prominent riders, noted the vibrant spirit of gravel cycling and praised the event's combination of timed racing and enjoyable gravel road riding.

Stetina, 38, is closing out a two-decade racing career this season, transitioning into a coaching role for Canyon riders after a notable time as a competitor, including top finishes in significant gravel races. Although his direct racing involvement is limited, his contributions to the sport continue through mentorship and events like Paydirt, which aim to inspire new generations of cyclists.