GIG HARBOR, Wash. — A handful of Sandpoint mountain bikers, competing for the Coeur d'Alene-based Kootenai Composite, made an unforgettable debut at the Washington Student Cycling League State Championships held Sunday, June 1 at 360 Trails.

In what was their first year participating in the league, several local athletes qualified for the finals and delivered standout performances while up against a total of 270 other riders from both Washington and Idaho — an impressive feat that highlights the strength of the local cycling community. 

Raul Diniz claimed first out of 29 competitors in the High School 2 Boys division, finishing his two laps in a total time of 46:56.20. In the same category, Noah Schroder placed ninth in 50:49.20.

In the Varsity Boys division, Trent Roberts of Clark Fork placed fifth out of nine competitors with a time of 1:06:00.10 across three laps. It was a resilient performance from Roberts, who faced a mechanical crisis when his electronic shifters failed just minutes before race time and shook off an early crash that caused him to have to play catch-up. It was Zoe Honsinger, in a remarkable display of teamwork, that lent her bike to Roberts so that he had an opportunity to race.

As for Honsinger herself, she placed third out of seven riders in the High School 2 Girls division, finishing her two laps in a time of 52:21.70. Avani Schroder also placed third out of 10 in the 8th Grade Girls division with a one-lap time of 29:51.20. 

In the 7th Grade Boys division, Miles Burns earned a 10th place-finish out of 30 competitors with a time of 26:29.10. The youngest rider on the team, Levi Morrett, was 22nd in a highly competitive 6th Grade Boys division, finishing in 32:43.70.

The Kootenai Composite mountain biking team's success reflects years of community investment in youth programs and trail development, thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Kaniksu Land Trust, Syringa Cyclery, Pend Oreille Pedalers (POP) and the Sandpoint Trailblazers.

For more information about joining Sandpoint's local mountain biking team, the Sandpoint Trailblazers, email [email protected]. The team competes in the fall in the Montana Cycling League.