Minneapolis, MN - Nov. 1, 2018 - The MN High School Cycling League held their State Championship Race Event on Sat. Oct. 27 and Sun. Oct. 28, 2018. For the fourth consecutive year, the MN League headed back to Mt. Kato for the championship race; a favorite course for many racers and a venue that could accommodate the 3,500+ people in attendance for the event. For two days, over 1,200 racers from 64 teams across the state of MN, Western WI, ND, SD and Iowa came together to compete in the seventh and final race of the season. Cuyuna's own Braeden Anderson (pictured) took home the 1st place medal for Varsity Individual. Photo Credit: Todd Bauer
Since there was a bye-week schedule in place for the season, each of the six previous races had a reduced number of teams competing, resulting in less impact to the event venues and students were able to compete against different racers. But, at this race event, all of the MN League teams were able to compete in one race; resulting in the largest MN League race to date.
As the team tents went up on Friday evening, the race course and community came together. People were laughing, dogs were barking, cheers of encouragement were heard along with excited voices shouting out greetings - the MN League race venue had arrived in Mankato for two days of action-packed mountain bike racing and not a speck of snow in the forecast.
This year, the weather cooperated, two days of brisk, bright days made for an amazing race weekend. Against a backdrop of brilliant fall colors, racers wound their way up the mountain, and then into the wooded singletrack, to complete a lap in the just under 4-mile course. Based on a rider's skill level, the number of laps increases, with varsity riders completing four laps or 16 miles.
As the last race of the season, and for many seniors, the last race of their high school careers, the finish line was filled with cheering spectators and close finishes, but there were also tears and hugs, as competitors shook hands one last time.
Thank you to the folks at Mt. Kato for their support before and during the race. And, thank to the team members and volunteers from the Mankato Composite team for their gracious hosting of our core staff dinner on Friday night and their volunteer efforts before and during the race.
Get ready Minnesota - racing will be back soon. Watch for news regarding the 2019 racing schedule in Nov. 2018.
About the Minnesota High School Cycling League
The Minnesota High School Cycling League is a state-wide independent activity provider for student-athletes in 7th to 12th grade. Our mission is to build strong bodies, strong minds and strong character through cycling, regardless of ability level. Each MN League season includes summer programs, a seven-race series, wilderness first aid certification courses and a Spring Leaders’ Summit for training and certification of coaches. The MN League exists by virtue of a range of fundraising activities, as well as generous donors, and MN League and NICA national sponsors. For more information on the MN League, visit minnesotamtb.org