LAMS and LAHS NICA athletes and coaches on Sunday celebrating a successful day of racing while sporting the Golden Shovel trophy. Courtesy photo
Cullen McLean charging through the lower section of the racecourse. Courtesy photo
SPORTS News:
Nearly 200 student athletes representing 18 teams from across New Mexico and Texas gathered at Pajarito Mountain on Sunday for the Pedal Pajarito race, the third stop in the 2025 New Mexico Interscholastic Cycling League (NM NICA) season. Under a crisp blue sky and surrounded by golden aspens, the Los Alamos NICA team delivered a powerhouse performance on their home trails, earning podium finishes, team points, four coveted race leaders’ jerseys, and the league’s Golden Shovel award for completing the most trail service hours in New Mexico.
The Los Alamos girls led the charge with confident climbs and fearless descents on the steep, technical mountain course. Phoebe Reid captured first place in the JV1 Girls race, continuing her impressive season and claiming the leader’s jersey. Her steady strength and calm determination in the final stretch solidified her place among the league’s top riders. In the 1-Lap Middle School Girls race, Nora Tucker also earned first place and a leader’s jersey, riding with poise and confidence as she conquered the fast, high-altitude course during her mountain bike racing debut. Her victory capped off a commanding performance by the Los Alamos girls, whose skill and camaraderie continue to inspire teammates and competitors alike.
The boys followed with their own series of standout rides. Sebastian Koglin represented Los Alamos in the Varsity Boys race, powering through four demanding laps to finish among the top competitors in the state. In JV1 Boys, Ian McLean and Calvin Grow each earned top ten finishes, combining strong climbs with steady pacing to add valuable points to the team total. Zachary Bolin-Ryan and Elliot Work turned in solid rides in JV2 Boys, while the JV3 Boys group was led by Cullen McLean, who finished in fourth place, followed by Hans Gardner in fifth, and closely trailed by teammates Matthew Wehner, William Nettleton, and Nathan Rondinone.
Los Alamos’s middle school racers kept the momentum rolling. Quanah Moseley dominated the 7th Grade Boys division, taking first place and maintaining his position as race leader with a commanding performance. Teammates Evan Guerrero, Tristan Olsen, and Brecken Hanson also finished strong, keeping the Hilltoppers well represented near the top of the field. In the 6th Grade Boys race, Paul Work claimed the top spot on the podium and a leader’s jersey, while Matthew Martinez followed with an excellent ride of his own.
In the 8th Grade Boys race, Jonathan Wehner earned a podium finish and Elijah Dinkel placed in the top ten, rounding out a strong day across all divisions. Their rides reflected the team’s
The home race brought out the best of both community and competition. Spectators lined the trails, cowbells ringing through the pines as teammates shouted encouragement from every corner of the course. Pajarito’s steep climbs and rugged terrain offered no easy victories, but the Los Alamos riders met each challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
“Pedal Pajarito is always special,” said Chris McLean, Los Alamos head coach. “Our riders know these trails by heart, and they take pride in caring for them. To race hard, earn four leader’s jerseys, and be recognized with the Golden Shovel award for our trail work — that’s the complete picture of what this team is about.”
With four leader’s jerseys, the Golden Shovel award, and a full slate of strong finishes, the Los Alamos NICA team once again proved that hard work, sportsmanship, and community service go hand in hand. As the season heads toward its finale, the Los Alamos NICA athletes are riding high, leading not just on the course, but in the spirit of the sport itself—the trademark balance of competitiveness and support which is a hallmark of the NICA spirit that values character as much as results.
Phoebe Reid on the top tier of the podium sporting the race leader’s jersey on Sunday. Courtesy photo
Cullen McLean in 4th place and Hans Gardner in 5th place on the podium for JV3 boys. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos MS Boys from left Paul Work, Matthew Martinez, Elijah Dinkel, Tristan Olsen, Jonathan Wehner, and Brecken Hanson. Courtesy photo
William Nettleton taking a fast line across the beginner trail with athletes lined up on the switchbacks following him. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos athletes recognized for their trail work with the Golden Shovel award. From left Calvin Grow, Elijah Dinkel, Elliot Work, Cullen McLean, Paul Work, Evan Guerrero, Hans Gardner, Seb Koglin, Ian McLean, Phoebe Reid, Quanah Moseley, Will Nettleton, Zach Bolin-Ryan, Jonathan Wehner, and Nora Tucker. Courtesy photo
