Release from 23.06.2025
Ryder LeBlond fifth in the Donner Hard Enduro as Korie Steede takes P4 at Showshoe
U.S. Hard Enduro Series – Round 9
Riders were faced with a rare challenge at the ninth round of the U.S. Hard Enduro season in Norden, California, on Saturday when a snowstorm delayed the commencement of the Donner Hard Enduro.
Once the green flag waved, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Ryder LeBlond and his Husqvarna TE 300 featured up front in third position during the race's opening stages.
Entering the round under the weather, the effects of the illness would catch up to LeBlond as the race progressed, with a commendable P5 result keeping him in title contention with a single round remaining.
“I entered this round really sick and I am still sick now,” reflected LeBlond. “As far as Donner goes, I went out there with the plan to stick to my pace, which we did, and we almost ended up with fourth, which I was pretty surprised by. I was taking it pretty easy, but didn’t make any big mistakes and was smooth, so it’s a bit of a bummer with this bad luck streak, but it’s how it goes sometimes. Ready for a little break and then onto TKO!”
Pro Class Results
1. Trystan Hart, KTM
2. Cody Webb, Yamaha
3. Will Riordan, Sherco
5. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 9
The weather also played a role in the unfolding of the Snowshoe GNCC, as ultra-hot temperatures made for a long day at the races for the field. Nevertheless, Korie Steede and her Husqvarna FC 250 were running strong in P2 before a late-race fall relegated her to fourth position.
It was another impressive effort for the 24-year-old in the WXC category, and with her result, Steede sits second in class as the GNCC Series now enters its summer break.
“I was feeling super-good, running second going into the last lap,” recalled Steede. “Things then hit the fan as I ended up basically down a cliff edge, and I’m glad to be ok for the most part! I definitely took a big hit, so I’m happy to get some points after that one and have some time in between rounds now.”
For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Craig DeLong, a flow was hard to come by during the three-hour encounter that started with the traditional Snowshoe pavement start, with the former GNCC number one delivering a sixth-place ride in the XC1 Open Pro Class aboard his FX 350. He is currently positioned equal fourth in the standings.
“I’m glad to be going into the summer break,” commented DeLong. “I had a tough go at Snowshoe, I just couldn’t quite catch my flow throughout the day. We’ll be back and ready for the second part of the year in September.”
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
2. Ben Kelley, KTM
3. Jordan Ashburn, GASGAS
6. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
WXC Class Results
1. Rachael Archer, Yamaha
2. Shelby Turner, GASGAS
3. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
4. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Upcoming Offroad Races – June 2025
6/29: National Enduro Series – Round 5