Fourteen riders from the Cariboo Cranks high school mountain bike club and their coaches were in Rossland over the May 27 and 28 weekend to race mountain bikes.
The group was competing in the BC School Sports Mountain Bike Championships, a cross-country and enduro mountain bike race for high school teams from across the province, with over 450 riders in attendance. Those in Grades 11 and 12 had to complete two laps of the xc track and Grades 8 through 10 had to do one lap. For the enduro portion, Grades 8/9 had to complete two stages and the seniors had to complete three stages.
It is the first year for the team, headed up in part by teacher Dena Baumann, who said there were some challenging climbs on this year’s course.
“They had to push through heat, a lightning storm that almost brought the race to a halt, and crazy long two-hour waits in both weather situations,” said Baumann, for racers to complete the timed downhill sections. After the storm, trail conditions were slick, she said.
“It was intense and they all did so well with some competitive times, no crashes and lots of smiles.”
Anika Wallin managed a podium finish at her first ever provincials, taking third place in senior girls xc (cross-country). Oi Moliner was the top male rider in the xc, placing 8th against 82 riders. Nadia Wallin placed fifth in a field o 14. Anika was also fourth in senior girls enduro.
Baumann said she was proud of all the riders and grateful for the amazing support from parents and community sponsors.
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