The Moab Red Devils high school and middle school mountain bike teams delivered strong performances at their second race of the season in Cedar City on Saturday, with the high school squad claiming first place in Division 2 despite missing a key rider.
Racing at the Three Peaks recreation area, riders tackled a challenging six-mile loop through trees and granite rock features with an average elevation climb of 400 feet per lap under beautiful weather conditions.
The high school team’s victory was particularly impressive given that key varsity rider Daniel Smith was injured and unable to race, according to coach Patrick Trim.
“Some younger riders stepped up to fill the void and the team edged out Snow Canyon by 8 points to take first place again,” Trim said.
This marks another strong showing for the Red Devils, who moved up to Division 2 competition last season. The team races against 17 different schools in their region, competing against programs ranging from fewer than 20 riders to teams with over 160 participants.
Middle school coach Greg Heitkamp noted that many parents and relatives traveled to support the teams, highlighting the community backing that has become a hallmark of Moab’s cycling programs.
The success continues a trend of excellence for Moab mountain biking, built on what Trim describes as the supportive culture of the local biking community, from coaches to bike shops to the feeder programs that develop young riders from grades 4-6 through middle school and into high school.
Both teams will next compete in Manti on September 13.
Race photos by Angela Hays.
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