Well all the spring skill building drills and hill climbs led to the first race of the year for some of the team. The first race was held at Iola Winter Sports Area in Iola, WI. The weather was little cool, but it was great for racing. The course had changed from previous years which included the elimination of “The Wall” which was a hard steep hill to climb and the addition of some flowing new single track. The changes made for a fun, but yet challenging course.

The team had a great turnout for this race. I am proud to announce the the SPYCT team was scattered all over the podium for a lot of the age groups. While not everyone got a podium, it really comes down to seeing the kids having a blast racing their bikes. So proud of these kids!!!!

Here is a list of the team members and their places.

Juniors:

• Elana – 3rd
• Tommy – 1st
• Hakon – 2nd
• James – 9th
• Sam – 6th
• Nathan I – 10th
• Nathan B – 1st
• Tyler – 4th
• Kenny – 4th
• Zac – 3rd
• Owen – 6th
• Cam – 7th
• Alex – 3rd
• Trevor – 9th

Citizen:

• Alison – 2nd
• Austin – 1st
• Max – 2nd

Sport:

• Matt – 4th

Thanks to Extreme Photography Unlimited for the outstanding pictures. www.xtrphoto.com

The season is fast approaching. The team is about to begin practices and to get the kids into cycling shape. The first couple practices will be tough for the newer kids and a refresher for the returning members. If you didn’t do anything all winter, get ready because it will be evident quickly.

The team is getting big!! I can not believe that we have this many interested kids the SP area, when Sun Prairie itself does not have a local trail. Come on City representatives…lets recognize the want and need for the community to have a local trail! Can you imagine if we had a local trail how big this team could be! #untappedresource #spyct

Check over your bike and get them in working order prior to practice.

-Coach Doug

This meeting for all new and returning members. We will cover the upcoming year and discuss team plans along with answering any questions that returning team members and new members may have.2016 General Flyer Half

WORS held the end of the year banquet in Stevens Point this past weekend. The banquet is held to celebrate the long year of racing, along with awarding those racers that placed in the top 3 in the overall standings.  SPYCT had a number of kids receive a plaque for their efforts this season..

Representing SPYCT on the overall podium were the following: Erin 2nd place, Alison 3rd place, Max 1st place, Corbin 3rd place and Jack 3rd place.  These kids, along with all the other kids on the team, worked hard, learned a ton and pushed themselves this past year.

Not only did these team members receive individual awards, the team as a whole received 2 awards. SPYCT earned 3rd place in Overall Junior Team points. This award means that we have a fast group of kids!  SPYCT also placed 2nd in the Junior participation points. This award is based completely on the number of kids we had at each race. That shows a level of commitment and dedication to the sport and their team.  I will have both of the team plaques at the banquet next Sunday, 11/1.

Thanks for a great year!!!

One of Sun Prairie Youth Cycling’s newest team members is Ruby Enyart, who is 7 years old. She has two races under her belt, finishing in 3rd place in Lake Geneva at one of the hilliest mountain biking trails around. She always has a bright smile on her face even when coming in to the finish in sweltering heat. Her favorite race was Reforestation Ramble in Suamico a few weeks ago because the rain that morning turned the trails into mud.  She said she even had mud in her teeth! When asked what she likes most about being on the team she says her teammates and coaches make it fun and everyone is really nice. Her parents agree. The coaches have such a love for the sport that it’s contagious. Ruby’s parents have even been able to get out on the trails  during practice which has renewed their love of mountain biking. The coaches are such a positive force that Ruby looks forward to bike practice. Her mountain biking skills have improved tremendously from the beginning of the season. She’s a more confident biker and her parents are impressed with her technique, even at her young age, all thanks to her coaches. She calls all her teammates her friends and feels privileged to be part of the awesome sport of mountain biking.

Word: Sweltering

So the word for this race does not do it justice. The only saving grace was the it was not as hot and humid for the kids as for the rest of the racers later in the day. I am assuming the reason for the lower number of team members at this race was due to the heat and also being Labor Day weekend. Anyhoo….

We have to first say a thing about our teammate Nick. He was pre-riding on Saturday and his trajectory on the path was not the most accurate and ended up hitting a tree and breaking a finger. His season has come to a halt for WORS and also for the NICA team. It is a terrible thing to see it end this way. He has come a long ways this year. Watch out next year!

The race itself took place at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. Another ski hill which in turn means climbing and more climbing. The start hill seems to be the monster of this race, but many commented that it seems around every corner there was a small hill to climb. While not big climbs they do take their toll. That along with the heat made for a very demanding race mentally and physically.

Shout outs for the team: Ruby, 3rd place, Elana 3rd place, Erin 1st place, Tommy 2nd place, Nathan 4th,  Max 1st place, Corbin 3rd place, Jack 3rd place.

WOW!!! SPYCT was on the podium a lot for this race. Way to go team!

-Doug