2024 MTB Worlds

The World Championship race is a pinnacle event in the cycling calendar, drawing the most elite racers from around the globe. Being selected to race with USA Cycling at this prestigious event was an honor and an exhilarating challenge.

Race day arrived, and with it, a mixture of nerves and excitement. European starts are notoriously chaotic, and this one was no exception. As the countdown began, I found myself packed tightly in the start gate—my left handlebar pressed against an Australian racer's hip and my front tire close to a French racer's leg. When the lights turned green, the chaos erupted. In the first few pedal strokes, a crash occurred, taking out a significant portion of the field. I managed to navigate around the fallen riders and set my sights on moving up.

Climbing the long dirt road out of the start, I pushed hard and fought for positions throughout the first lap; I was in 30ish position. My strategy was to ride smoothly downhill, maintain a steady pace on the climbs, stay aggressive, and defend.

The course was a true test of skill and endurance, with rough, technical sections mixed with steep climbs that demanded physical strength and strategic planning. Fueling properly was crucial; I relied on Roctane Energy GUs to keep me going, one just before the start, then one every half hour. To handle the terrain, I chose the Aspen 2.4 W tires for their exceptional grip on loose, dusty terrain and speed on climbs.

In the end, I crossed the finish line in 16th place, proudly standing as the top first-year junior. This achievement has fueled my motivation, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I'm already looking forward to next year, eager to apply what I've learned and see how much further I can push my limits with another year of training.

With my official race season over, I look forward to competing locally in the AZ Cycling Association’s high school league. It’s always a fun time with friends. My first race is this weekend at Fort Tuthill in Flag.

Orange Seal Academy

USA MTB Nationals 2024