Andrew Work earning the first-place finish followed by teammate Owen Tucker in third
place in the 5th grade boys division. Courtesy photo
BY PAULA KNEPPER
Los Alamos NICA Coach
Fifteen athletes from the Los Alamos National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) cycling team competed in the 2026 Hayfield Hustle on Sunday, Sept. 6, earning five top-three finishes and placing eight riders among the top five in their respective categories.
The race marked an important milestone for the New Mexico Interscholastic Cycling (NM NICA) League. This is the first season that NM NICA has welcomed athletes ranging from fifth through 12th grade, expanding opportunities for younger riders to develop mountain-biking skills, experience team camaraderie, and participate in youth cycling events.
Los Alamos made a strong showing in the new fifth-grade boys division. Andrew Work won the race with a time of 20:35.2. Owen Tucker joined him on the podium, finishing third in 21:50.7. James Schulze placed sixth, and Jasper Matthews finished eighth.
Maxim Zadina earned fourth place in the sixth-grade boys’ race, completing two laps in 42:45.6. In the seventh-grade boys division, Paul Work raced to second place with a two-lap time of 36:31.8. Quanah Moseley delivered another victory for Los Alamos in the eighth-grade A boys’ division. Moseley completed three laps in 48:18.5 to take first place and become the division’s points leader. Teammate Evan Guerrero finished seventh.
Nora Tucker represented Los Alamos in the eighth-grade B girls division, earning fourth
place with a two-lap time of 43:35.4.
The team’s high school athletes also recorded several strong results. Dmitri Lawrence captured second place in the JV3 boys’ division, completing two laps in 50:20.0. Elliot Work placed seventh in the JV2 boys race, while William Nettleton finished 21st. In the JV1 boys division, Hans Gardner placed 11th and Calvin Grow finished 15th. Ian McLean represented Los Alamos in the varsity boys’ race and earned fifth place. McLean completed four demanding laps in 1:30:53.6.
Course conditions added an extra challenge for every athlete. Extremely dry weather left the trails covered with loose, soft dirt, requiring riders to maintain concentration and carefully select their lines. High temperatures made hydration and pacing especially important as the day progressed. The varsity race was particularly demanding. Its greater distance, combined with the afternoon heat and dry conditions, made for a long, hot test of both physical endurance and mental determination.
“The team’s hard work and consistent training are really paying off,” Head Coach Chris
McLean said. “I’m proud of how all our athletes competed in such challenging conditions
at the start of the racing season, and I’ve been especially impressed by the talent,
determination, and enthusiasm of our elementary and middle school riders. They
represent an exciting future for the Los Alamos team.”
From the team’s youngest competitors to its varsity rider, the Los Alamos athletes demonstrated resilience, skill, and teamwork throughout the event. The breadth of participation across the new fifth-grade through varsity structure also reflects the continued growth of youth mountain biking in Los Alamos.
The Los Alamos team is led by Head Coach Chris McLean, with support from a dedicated group of volunteer coaches and parents. Together, they help young athletes develop cycling skills, confidence, perseverance and an appreciation for New Mexico’s trails.
Nora Tucker leading the charge of 8th grade girls at the race start. Courtesy photo
Ian McLean charging through the varsity boys race on Sunday. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos athletes, Nora Tucker, Ian McLean, William Nettleton, Chris McLean (Head Coach), Hans Garner, Elliot Work, Dmitri Lawrence, Owen Tucker, Quanah Moseley, Andrew Work, Paul Work, Maxim Zadina, and Calvin Grow, awarded with the stoke meter by NM NICA. Courtesy photo
Athletes Jasper Matthews and James Schulz with coaches during the course preview on Sunday morning. Courtesy photo