We’re heading into the rugged landscapes of The Rift MTB 5 day stage race. I sat down at the end of Day 4 with two riders who were leading the race. By the close of Day 5, they had claimed every single stage and the overall victory: Starla Teddergreen and Lauren Zimmer.

Starla is the co-owner of Distance to Empty, a not-for-profit dedicated to getting more women in Colorado onto gravel bikes. Living with MS, she’s turned cycling into both a personal fightback and a platform to empower others. She’s also no stranger to the podium and will represent Team USA at the upcoming MTB Marathon World Championships.

Lauren is an elite mountain bike racer who’s represented Team USA in both 2024 and 2025. Off the bike, she coaches through Distance to Empty, guiding more women into the sport. Known for her speed, strength, and generosity, she’s a force on and off the trail.

In this conversation, we dig into the race, their teamwork, the journey that brought them here, and what it really takes to not just win—but to lead, inspire, and lift others along the way.