Mountain Biking Becomes An Official Collegiate Sport

Collegiate is excited to announce the addition of mountain biking to the school’s athletic program this spring, and tryouts will be held on Monday.

The effort to develop a team was led by Upper School History teacher Brad Cooke, who is also Director of Outdoor Collegiate.
 
According to Mr. Cooke, who will serve as head coach of the team, mountain biking is gaining legitimacy in high school and collegiate-level athletics, and with the biking resources available in Richmond, it was a natural addition to Collegiate’s athletics offerings.
 
“We believe that if we are competing in organized competition against other schools, the students should be able to recognize it as the sport it is. Mountain biking is one of the only sports where 100% of the athletes are competing 100% of the time.”
 
Collegiate’s co-ed team will launch with approximately 12 riders during the spring season, and Middle School math teacher Bill Rider will serve as assistant coach. 

The team will compete in the Virginia High School Mountain Biking League and participate in four races, plus a state championship. Competitor schools include St. Christopher’s, Trinity Episcopal, Woodberry Forest, Miller School of Albemarle, and Blue Ridge School.
 
Outpost Richmond, a local bike shop, is providing significant support to Collegiate’s team, such as performing bike maintenance and extending discounts for store purchases, Mr. Cooke said.
 
He is looking forward to getting his team prepared for their first competition.
 
“A typical week of practice for us will involve weight room for the team, and then we will be off campus, [riding],” Mr. Cooke said. “Some days we’ll train at the Robins Campus and work on those trails and work on skills, and then on other days we’ll ride in Forest Hill Park, Buttermilk Trail, and other trails.”
 
Back