Los Alamos Mountain Bike Team Finishes Fourth In Statewide NMICA Series

Los Alamos High School mountain bike team celebrating the end of the season on the podium. Athletes from left Hans Gardner, Calvin Grow, Zachary Bolin-Ryan, William Nettleton, Phoebe Reid, Cullen McLean, Adis Bock, Seb Koglin, and Ian McLean. Courtesy photo

Elliott Work powering the smooth section of single track. Courtesy photo

BY PAULA KNEPPER

The Los Alamos Middle and High School Mountain Bike Team closed out its 2025 New Mexico Interscholastic Cycling League (NMICA) season with a strong showing at the Manzano Mountain Madness race in Tijeras on October 26. Racing through the technical Oak Flats course under clear skies and crisp fall air, the team delivered a series of standout performances to end the season on a high note.

In the Varsity Boys division, Sebastian Koglin (LAHS junior) rode a consistent and gritty race, finishing fifth against a competitive statewide field. His experience and composure helped set the tone for the team on the demanding four-lap course.

In the JV1 Boys race, Ian McLean (LAHS junior) claimed third place with a fast, smooth effort that kept him on the front of the pack from start to finish. Teammate Calvin Grow (LAHS junior) battled through the rocky terrain to take 14th place, rounding out a strong showing for the high school boys.

The JV2 Boys field featured solid results from Los Alamos riders. Adis Bock (LAHS junior) placed sixth, followed closely by Elliot Work (LAHS sophomore) in twelfth and Zachary Bolin-Ryan (LAHS senior) in fourteenth. Each rode with determination through the rolling climbs and technical descents of Oak Flats.

In the JV3 Boys race, Cullen McLean (LAHS freshman) powered to an impressive first-place finish with the fastest lap time, completing two laps in just over 38 minutes and cementing his status as one of New Mexico’s top young racers. Hans Gardner (LAHS freshman) crossed the line in sixth place, with William Nettleton (LAHS junior) in fourteenth.

Among the girls, Phoebe Reid (LAHS senior) earned a podium spot with a third-place finish in the JV1 Girls division. In the JV2 Girls race, teammate Hannah Waldschmidt (LAHS senior) rode a smooth and steady race to finish fifth.

The LAMS team also shone in Tijeras. In the 7th Grade Boys category, Evan Guerrero rode to third place followed by Brecken Hanson in seventh and Tristan Olsen in twelfth, each pushing through the technical course with heart and determination.

In the 6th Grade Boys division, Los Alamos took top honors. Paul Work earned first place with a commanding two-lap ride, followed by teammate Matthew Martinez finishing in third, giving Los Aamos a double podium finish to end the year. For the 7th Grade Girls, Nora Tucker finished eleventh at the Manzano event.

The Manzano Mountain Madness race marked the end of a four-event series that took the team across the state to Silver City, Gallup, Los Alamos, and finally Tijeras. Over the course of the season, Los Alamos demonstrated consistency, sportsmanship, and depth across multiple divisions.

In the final statewide standings, Sebastian Koglin placed fourth overall in Varsity Boys. Ian McLean finished fifth overall in JV1 Boys, with Calvin Grow in tenth. In the JV3 Boys standings, Cullen McLean finished second overall in the state, just a handful of points behind the leader. Hans Gardner placed seventh overall.

For the girls, Phoebe Reid took second overall in JV1 Girls after a season of top finishes, while Hannah Waldschmidt placed fifth overall in JV2 Girls.

In the middle school standings, Quanah Moseley earned first place overall, followed by Evan Guerrero finishing in sixth place overall among 7th Grade Boys, followed by Brecken Hanson in tenth place. In the 6th Grade Boys division, Paul Work captured second place for the overall state championship, with Matthew Martinez finishing in ninth overall.

As a team, Los Alamos finished fourth overall out of 18 programs across New Mexico—a remarkable achievement reflecting both talent and teamwork. The program was also honored with the league’s award for the most trail work hours completed, a recognition of the team’s dedication to maintaining and improving trails for all riders.

Head Coach Chris McLean reflected, “Our athletes know that being part of NMICA means more than racing. It’s about giving back, supporting each other, and building a community that takes care of the trails and each other. I’m proud of every one of our riders.”

After a season of weekly team rides, four races, a top five team finish, and statewide recognition for trail service, the Los Alamos Middle and High School Mountain Bike Team closed its 2025 season as one of New Mexico’s most respected and admired programs. The Los Alamos team has grown from a few riders to over 50 competitive MS and HS athletes. From first-year riders to seasoned varsity competitors, the team’s spirit, determination, and camaraderie defined another successful year on and off the bike.

Cullen McLean on the top of the podium for the Manzano Mountain Madness racing in the boys JV3 race. Courtesy photo