Los Alamos Mountain Bike Riders Rise To The Challenge: Thrilling Finishes At New Mexico Interscholastic Cycling League Season Finale
Los Alamos Mountain Bike team after the Lasso Loop Lineup race on Sunday. From left, Head Coach Jim Tyldesley, Chris McLean, Jonathan Wehner, Matthew Wehner, Leif Wald-Hopkins, Sebastian Koglin, Calvin Grow, Phoebe Reid, Adis Bock, Ian McLean, Quanah Moseley, Clay Moseley, Paul Allen and Austin Selley. Courtesy photo
Sebastian Koglin takes his place after a contentious season of racing on the top tier of the podium. Sebastian Koglin earned the NM State Title for JV1 racers on Sunday. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos
On a blustery Sunday morning, Oct. 27, 2024, the rugged trails of Socorro came alive with the energy and excitement of the New Mexico Interscholastic Cycling League (NMICL) season finale, the Lasso Loop Lineup cross-country bike race.
Nearly 160 youth cyclists from across the state including Los Alamos, representing more than 20 teams, gathered to compete in this thrilling event hosted by NMICL. With clear blue skies and the stunning New Mexico desert as a backdrop, these young cyclists pedaled their way through a demanding course filled with punchy climbs, chunky descents and technical turns. Parents, coaches, and supporters lined the route, cheering on their teams as they battled the challenging terrain, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and intense competition.
Ten Los Alamos bike team members competed at the season finale, and several delivered standout performances. In addition to Koglin's finish in 1st place at the Lasso Loop Lineup and state championship in the JV1 category, Quanah Moseley finished first in his final race for 6th-grade boys, earning the New Mexico state championship title. Hannah Waldschmidt also finished first for HS one-lap girls, claiming her own New Mexico State title.
Phoebe Reid secured 5th place in the JV2 girls' race, finishing the season in 5th place overall. Ian McLean, in a thrilling sprint to the finish, took 2nd place in his race, less than four seconds behind the leader, followed closely by teammates Calvin Grow in 6th place, Matthew Wehner in 9th place, and Adis Bock in 12th. McLean's efforts earned him 2nd place overall for the season. Leif Wald-Hopkins finished the Lasso Loop Lineup in 10th place racing in the 7th grade boys' field. Unfortunately, Jonathan Wehner was unable to finish the race after a crash.
Phoebe Reid riding solo on the Lasso Loop Lineup. Courtesy photo
Calvin Grow in front followed by Adis Bock on the Lasso Loop Lineup. Courtesy photo
Ian McLean pinning the corners on the Lasso Loop Lineup. Courtesy photo
Top three NMICL teams on the podium. From left, Santa Fe Prep in 3rd, Sandia Prep in 1st, and Los Alamos in 2nd place. Courtesy photo
The Los Alamos Bike Team continued to shine, securing 2nd place overall in the team standings, a testament to their collective skill and endurance. By the end of the day, smiles and stories were shared at the finish line as riders celebrated their achievements. While medals, banners, jerseys, and accolades were awarded to the top racers and teams, the spirit of the event was captured in the sense of unity within the NMICL community.
Every participant left with new memories, friendships, and a deeper passion for cycling. The NMICL Lasso Loop Lineup in Socorro proved to be not just a test of skill, but a celebration of youth biking and the spirit of adventure.
