Kate Courtney is continuing to expand her avenues to success. The past XCO world champion has, in recent years, tested her abilities beyond the World Cup cross country circuit. Often, with great success.
That success now includes a stage win at a UCI stage race on the road. Racing as part of a USAC squad, the decorated mountain biker won the fourth stage of the Tour de Feminin in Czechia.
“The first days in the European peloton were humbling to say the least,” Courtney shared after her stage win. “But growth happens outside your comfort zone, and sometimes the best way to learn how to swim is to jump right into the deep end.”
The Tour de Feminin ended up being won by Ginia Caluori. Racing with the Nexetis team, Caluori is also a mountain biker. The Swiss rider is making a more committed effort on the road after a very strong U23 cross country career.
Expanding horizons still look gold
For Courtney, Tour de Feminin continues her expanding efforts beyond the confines of World Cup racing. This new pathway started with a move into marathon cross country racing. Courtney, now racing on her own program as She Sends team, quickly found speed over longer distances. At Leadville 100, Courtney set a new course record and took the win. That was followed up by a marathon world championship title in 2025. Courtney started 2026 with a very strong appearance at the Cape Epic, though her result in the team-based cross country stage race was derailed when her partner was forced to withdraw mid-race.
With world championship pedigree and an ever-expanding list of wins, it will be interesting to see what challenge Courtney takes on next.