GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Nederland Mountain Bike team took 11 riders—the most ever—to the State Championship race in Glenwood Springs on October 31.

The State Championship race was postponed by a week because of rain that made the course unridable. So after an extra week of anticipation, the kids were stoked to finally get out on the very technical, and wet, state course to show what they could do.

Freshman Nora Shurr tearing around the tight corners wearing the Yampa Region's JV girls'  Champion's jersey.

Photo Courtesy of John Perry

Freshman Nora Shurr was our top finisher of the day, placing third out of over 100 other JV girls riders. She had a tough race mentally and physically, getting taken down on two different occasions by other riders as they battled it out in slippery and muddy conditions. But she persevered and was able to fight her way back onto the podium.

She stated, “I’m really proud of my first season racing JV girls as a freshman, and I can’t wait for Varsity next year.”

Junior Jonny Moss was able to finish 18th in the incredibly competitive Varsity boys field. The Varsity races were delayed slightly at the end of the day due to rain, so the riders all had to keep their muscles warmed up and ready while they waited. Jonny had a great year overall, and as he’s only a junior, will get another chance at racing Varsity next year. 

Junior Codi Waldron navigating the steep downhills and jagged rocks on the technical State course.

Photo Courtesy of John Perry

Senior Maddie Perry had a great final race of her high school career, stating that she “felt strong and passed so many other riders on the climbs.” Junior Cody Waldron also had a strong race, the tough course favoring the Nederland riders who ride a lot of rocks and roots in their own backyards. She was able to grab an impressive 13th in the JV girls race. 

The Sophomore boys got to experience the wettest part of the day, with thick mud coating their bikes and legs as they tore around the two laps of their course. A large crash at the start of the race found Legend Teller at the bottom of the pile, but he got himself and his bike back together and finished the race. Our top finisher for Sophomore boys was Tyler Begin, who nabbed 18th out of 134 riders. 

The Sophomore boys in staging for the State Championships in Glenwood Springs.

Photo Courtesy of John Sibray

The Freshman boys’ race was the first of the day, starting out in the cold early morning hours. Freshman Wyatt Dodge had a speedy start, hitting the single track first in his wave. He then hit a slippery corner and slid out, crashing to the ground. He was able to get up and finish his first season of racing tough and feeling proud of his year.  

As a memorable finish to the season, Alison Powers, who has coached the team for eight years, won the Colorado Mountain League’s Coach of the Year award. She was nominated by the riders on the Nederland team, and she accepted the award in front of a crowd of about 700 racers from 101 teams.

Powers said about winning the award, “Winning Coach of the Year is something I have always dreamed of winning. Being recognized as one of the best coaches in the Colorado League is a true honor. Once I learned that it was the kids who started the nomination process, it made the honor even more special. I feel really lucky to be part of such a great team.”

A special thank you to Nichole Nurenberg and Brittany Zoccole for providing delicious and healthy food for the team all throughout the season. 

And a final shout out to our team sponsors—Nederland Veterinary Clinic, Eldora Mountain Resort, Justin’s, and Rudi’s.