The grounds of the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus are abuzz as preparations for the Colorado High School Cycling League State Championships hit fever pitch.
Known as the Colorado League, the organization is set to host the event featuring riders from Wyoming, South Dakota, New Mexico and Colorado. With 89 teams drawn from over 120 high schools, the event will mark the largest mountain biking championship in the league’s history.
League Founder Kate Rau is upbeat about the championship’s prospects.
“We’re excited about the perfect weather for the biggest state championship race in our history,” Rau said.
Last year’s state championship was also held at the Spring Valley campus, where inclement weather saw a two-day event squeezed into one intense day of competition.
Among the competitors are Glenwood Springs junior Dante Humphrey and Coal Ridge student Samantha Meskin. They’ll wear the colors of the Glenwood Springs team, a composite unit with riders up to Rifle. Rivals from Roaring Fork High School and a joint team from Basalt and Aspen are also gearing up.
Glenwood coach Jeanne Golay underscores her team’s readiness and the advantage of the home ground.
“We have 11 students racing this weekend, maintaining the consistent participation we’ve seen all season,” she said.
The familiarity with the Spring Valley course is anticipated to be a significant morale booster, as Golay said the team has been practicing on the course for the past month.
The championship promises to be a melting pot of talent, skill, and competitive spirit. Each race promises to be a display of the riders’ grit and determination.
Rau’s excitement is not just about the competition but also the communal atmosphere that defines the event.
“It’s a chance for teams from our four regions to meet and interact,” Rau said.
With races at the freshman, sophomore, junior varsity and varsity levels set to begin Saturday, those seeking to watch the Colorado League’s finest can do so this weekend at Spring Valley.