BOZEMAN — After practicing all summer, the Sandpoint Trailblazers cross country mountain biking team had 39 riders toe the line at the team’s first NICA league race in Bozeman, Sept. 2-3. The Trailblazers compete in NICA’s Montana Division.

The race was held at Crosscut Mountain’s Bridger Bowl Ski Area, a year-round recreation, sports training, and educational facility for all ages and abilities. On the first day, riders competed on a 3.8-mile course with about 400 feet of climbing per lap. Different grade levels completed different numbers of laps. For example, lower age groups did one lap, while varsity high school riders did up to four laps.

On day two, riders competed on a shorter, 2.7-mile course. For this race, the Trailblazers brought 22 riders who ranged from sixth to 11th grade; it was the first ever race for eight of Sandpoint’s riders.

Out of the 100-plus riders who attended, the Trailblazers impressed, having five riders reach the podium. On the 3.8-mile course, Noah Schroder placed fifth in the JV3 boys division; Zoe Honsinger placed third in the eighth grade girls division; and Glen Badoux placed second in the eighth grade boys division. On the 2.7 mile course, Henry Larson placed fifth in the eighth grade boys division, while Honsinger doubled-down taking third in the 8th grade girls division.

“The team was super excited,” coach Mike Martz said. “It was a great opportunity for the team to come together and get a little extra fired up for the upcoming races happening in September and October.”

Members thanked team sponsors who helped them acquire a custom 10x20 team pop-up tent, first aid kits, and bike valet racks to hold a team-worth of bikes in their staging zone, all before the first race of the season.

The Sandpoint Trailblazers will be back in action at the Herron Hustle in Kalispell on Sept. 16.