Nine Sandpoint Trailblazers make podium at Crosscut Doubleheader
Members of the Sandpoint Trailblazers cross-country mountain biking team are all smiles after reaching the podium at the Crosscut Doubleheader held Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Bozeman. From left are Trent Roberts, Nolan Tuohy, Roman Presta, Avani Schroeder, Iona Tuohy, Emiliana Dussault and Olivia Coffman.
(Courtesy Photo)
BOZEMAN, Mont. — Led by first-place finishes from Anselm Dussault, Olivia Coffman, and Roman Presta, the Sandpoint Trailblazers cross-country mountain biking team had nine different athletes combine for 17 podium finishes at the Crosscut Doubleheader held Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the Crosscut Mountain Sports Center.
In total, 23 racers competed for Sandpoint in the races series, which featured over 390 racers from Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.
On the first day of racing, the following Sandpoint athletes made the podium while competing on the classic course: Anselm Dussault (4th — 7th/8th grade composite boys), Avani Schroder (4th — 8th grade girls), Emiliana Dussault (3rd — 6th grade girls), Iona Tuohy (5th — 8th grade girls), Mattie Lynch (2nd — JV2 girls), Nolan Tuohy (4th — 6th grade boys), Olivia Coffman (3rd — 8th grade girls), Roman Presta (4th — JV3 boys) and Trent Roberts (5th — JV1 boys)
The second day, which was on the venue’s short course, is where Sandpoint really excelled. The following athletes made the podium on day two: Anselm Dussault (1st — 7th/8th grade comp. boys), Avani Schroder (4th — 8th grade girls), Emiliana Dussault (3rd — 6th grade girls), Mattie Lynch (4th — JV2 girls), Nolan Tuohy (2nd — 6th grade boys), Trent Roberts (4th — JV1 boys), Olivia Coffman (1st — 8th grade girls) and Roman Presta (1st — JV3 boys).
Coffman, a second-year racer who made it to the top of the podium on day two, said NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) races are super encouraging for everyone involved and that she loves the cross-country mountain biking race environment.
“I felt like I learned a lot about myself and how I work — using determination and grit helped me push through and I eventually ended up placing well,” Coffman said of her recent win. “I think this experience will strengthen me for other obstacles we all face in life.”
Presta, who also made it to the top of the podium on day two, credited his win to the pre-race Chinese food.
“I feel like NICA offers a really supportive environment, where racers can go to meet like-minded people,” Presta added when asked what the program meant to him.
The Sandpoint Trailblazers, which is for youth mountain bikers from sixth to 12th grade, will be back in action at the Herron Hustle in Kalispell this Saturday.
The Trailblazers wanted to express their gratitude toward their sponsors who have helped cover costs for the team this season: Syringa Cyclery, Team Humble & Black, TitleOne, Idagon, Alpine Shop, Finan McDonald, Smith & McOwen Law Firm, Stylebar, and Kokanee Coffee.
For more information on the team, visit https://www.sandpointnicamtb.com. To learn more about NICA’s Montana Division, visit https://www.montanamtb.org,