Youth Mountain Biking Team Gears Up For Third Season

By Steve Simonovich, Team Director

The Santa Cruz Mountains Cycling Team (SCMCT) is starting its third year of youth competitive mountain bike racing and will be holding an informational meeting at the Scotts Valley Library from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15.

SCMCT is coming off a very successful 2013 season, placing 8th out of 36 teams in our division.  Our high school team of 16 athletes was led by sophomore Porter Wesson (Scotts Valley High School) who placed first in his division for the NorCal High School Cycling League.  After placing second in the first race of the season Porter went on to dominate every race thereafter, winning by a large margin.  At the California State Championships Porter was just as dominant, winning his 18 mile race by almost 2 minutes.  

Top Results For NorCal High School Cycling League

Team Results: SCMCT placed 8th out of 36 teams

Junior Varsity:

Mitchell Pisciota (SVHS): 13th out of 91 athletes

Garret Hammack (SVHS): 15th out of 91 athletes

Sophomore Division:

Porter Wesson (SVHS): 1st out of 61 athletes

Dylan O’Connor (SVHS): 12th out of 61 athletes

Ryan Simonovich (SVHS): 14th out of 61 athletes

The SCMCT junior team also had success at the CCCX series of races at Fort Ord.  Nick Gallizioli (Los Gatos High) placed first in every race he entered and won the series in the 14 – 16 age category.  Hanna Fleming (Gateway School) was just as dominant by winning her last 3 races to place first in the series for the women’s 14 – 18 age category.

SCMCT is open to all boys and girls in 7th through 12th grade regardless of ability.  All team members compete in their respective age category.  Practices are held on Tuesday & Thursday afternoon, leaving from Scotts Valley, and on Saturday mornings at various locations.  Practices start Dec. 7.

For more information, contact Steve at svmtnbike@gmail.com or 831-212-3550.