Tropical Mountain Bike Challenge - Salinas

Salinas Puerto Rico

Since the start of the 2024 semester, I decided to attend online school. It was a difficult decision, but it was my only choice with the traveling I will do this spring with my mountain bike racing. I selected ASU Digital Prep because I attended it during COVID-19. The school has a lot of self-teaching, although if you are self-motivated, the schoolwork is reasonable. I have increased my training, and it is way easier to fit in big rides with my flexible schedule.

A significant change this race season was that I would move into the 17-18 category and start competing for UCI points. UCI points are essential for a better starting position in worldwide events. A racer with a high ranking or many UCI points could start on the front row and even be eligible to represent the U.S. in the biggest races, including some overseas. Since I am a first year 17-18, I must start races in the back until I can earn points which will improve my starting position.

The season-opening race was in Salinas, Puerto Rico. My age group had three races: An XCO (long course) on Wednesday, an XCC (short track) on Friday, and another XCO on Sunday. The Sunday race was an H.C. race worth many more points than a regular UCI race.

The Wednesday race went well, and I was happy with my performance and condition. Puerto Rico is hot and humid, but I kept cool, including extra hydration, an ice vest, and staying out of the sun until the race started. This would be the first time the Bear team was racing in our new pink race kits. They stand out. Four first-year Bear riders were in the race, making most of the back row a line of pink.

On the gun we took off, and the Bear riders made up a ton of spots before the first corner. As we approached the first corner, a line of Bear riders, me in third, made a big pass around most of the group, and I slid into twelfth place as we entered the single track. As the riders began tiring, I caught them individually, although the leaders were untouchable since they had gotten a considerable lead when I was stuck in traffic. I found myself in fourth place with a Canadian rider right on my wheel. On the third lap, it started to rain and cooled off. My legs began to recover from the initial start effort, and I attacked as hard as possible up the last climb. I went super deep and got a small gap. Going into the fourth and fifth lap, I maintained a lead over the Canadian, but he kept me in sight. Once he was gone on the last lap, I made one final effort to catch up to third. I got close but ran out of race course and finished in P4. I received 14 UCI points, which was a good start.

Friday's race was a short track. This race was not worth any points, but with so few short-track races in the U.S., it would be good to do for the experience. Again, I was in the last row as my newly earned UCI points had yet to be officially recorded. On the gun, I had a good start, which was crucial. I was forced on the inside but couldn't get the advantage to take the start corner in first, and I had to try and slide into the pack; however, many riders were taking a broader turn, and I hit someone's front wheel. I was nearly knocked off my bike but got my foot out in time. I lost a lot of positions and could see the three leaders riding away from the rest of the field. I tried to make up as many spots as possible while conserving energy. I ended up battling to the finish line with the same Canadian kid for the fourth position - see video. However, he got the advantage and came into the start straight first. I finished fifth, which is still on the podium.

Short Track sprint to finish

Sunday's race was the big one, with many points on the line. The atmosphere was different in the Trek warmup tent this time. My teammates and I were all keeping to ourselves and listening to music. Everyone was focused.

The Bear boys were in the back again. When the race started, I felt the most significant surge of adrenaline in my life, and I pushed off the line. Unfortunately, I missed my pedal three times and entered the corner in second to last. With 60 other boys in front of me, I took the feed zone (alternate route) and sprinted up to the front with nobody in front of me, and slid into the top ten. I began picking off riders and was with the leaders shortly after the start loop. Four riders gapped the rest of the field; I was in the lead group. As the race continued, our lead increased to a couple of minutes. By the third lap, I was in third place with only a racer from California. I knew my legs were feeling good; I was in a position to gain significant UCI points.

I headed into the feed zone and was getting ready to attack when my chain snapped shortly after I passed the exit! Since I'm in the 17-18 category, we have a tech area where team mechanics can assist with technical problems. I ran a mile or more to reach the tech zone. Thankfully, there was a downhill that I could coast down. A few riders passed me while I ran, but not as many as I expected. Once in the pits, our Bear mechanic put on a new chain lightning fast. I was back on my bike in 7th position with one lap left. My legs were tired from the running, but I knew if I didn't keep on the gas, a group of racers from behind would catch me. It was raining hard, and the trails were getting even sloppier. The descending was sketchy, to say the least, but I distanced the group behind on the downhill and rode to the finish.

I was bummed not to compete for a podium position, but I am happy about my cycling fitness. And I earned 30 more UCI points. My next race is Sunday, March 3rd, in Rincon, still in Puerto Rico. With some UCI points to my name, I should have a better call-up. Stay tuned!

Salinas Puerto Rico - HC XCO

Me with top American Professionals, Riley Amos and Christopher Blevins - Awesome!