Sandpoint Trailblazers finish season with impressive marks
From left to right, Olivia Coffman, Iona Tuohy, Mattie Lynch, Zoe Honsinger, Tegan Jenkins, Noah Schroder, Nolan Tuohy, Trent Roberts, Levi Coffman, Roman Presta, Emiliana Dussault and Anselm Dussault of the Sandpoint Trailblazers cross-country mountain biking team are all smiles after racing to podium finishes at the Copper Kings Clash held Sept. 28 in Butte.
(Courtesy Photo)
At Copper Kings Clash
BUTTE, Mont. — The Sandpoint Trailblazers youth cross-country mountain biking team had a team had 12 bikers come away with medals, which at the time was a team record, at the Copper Kings Clash held Sept. 28 at the Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area.
The Trailblazers took a total of 22 athletes to the event, which had over 300 competitors from Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
The following bikers podiumed in their respective divisions: Anselm Dussault (1st), Emiliana Dussault (1st), Iona Tuohy (4th), Levi Coffman (2nd), Mattie Lynch (3rd), Noah Schroder (5th), Nolan Tuohy (2nd), Olivia Coffman (1st), Roman Presta (1st), Tegan Jenkins (5th), Trent Roberts (5th), Zoe Honsinger (1st).
After the event, Raul Diniz, an exchange student from Brazil who joined the team this year, said the team has brought him much joy and has helped him not only become a better rider, but has helped him with his English.
“I think it’s cool because it’s very different from Brazil; we don’t have this type of racing there," Diniz said about cross-country mountain biking. "I feel like these races were organized. I love the healthy competition and that everyone helps to clean up. It’s a really good place to meet other people who like riding bikes.”
At Lolo Landing
LOLO, Mont. — The Sandpoint Trailblazers finished the season strong, bumping their record number of podium finishes to 14 at the Lolo Final Landing held Oct. 5 and 6 at the Rossignol Ranch.
The Trailblazers brought 27 racers to this event, and in total, over 350 bikers attended from Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, making it the biggest event of the season.
The following bikers took home medals in their respective divisions: Anselm Dussault (1st), Avani Schroder (5th), Conrad Michael (5th), Emiliana Dussault (3rd), Everett Raiha (5th), Iona Tuohy (4th), Levi Coffman (3rd), Mattie Lynch (3rd), Nolan Tuohy (1st), Olivia Coffman (1st), Roman Presta (2nd), Tegan Jenkins (5th), Theresa Hurt (3rd), Trent Roberts (2nd).
Avani Schroder, a second-year racer who is in eighth grade, said the race was a really fun experience overall.
"There was a lot of intense passing, and both Iona (Tuohy) and I came into the finish at the exact same time; it was super fun for both of us," Schroder said. "It’s really inspiring to be with other people who are racing because they can encourage you and you can encourage them. They taught me never to give up, even when things don’t go the way — you just have to keep going.”
The Trailblazers want to express their gratitude for their sponsors who have helped cover many costs for the team this year: Syringa Cyclery, Two Wheeler Dealer, Team Humble & Black, TitleOne, Idagon, Alpine Shop, Kochava, Finan McDonald, Smith & McOwen Law Firm, Stylebar, and Kokanee Coffee.
For more information on the Sandpoint Trailblazers visit https://www.sandpointnicamtb.com.