Kofford, Hoffman earn podium finishes in tough Manti mountain bike race

Park City High Schools Mountain Bike Team competing in central Utah. Photo: Alison Watkins // Barry Hill // Owen Crandall

The Park City High School Mountain Bike Team endures dust and scorching heat while notching notable performances

MANTI, Utah — Over the Labor Day weekend, the Park City High School Mountain Bike Team competed in Manti.

“The race at Manti embodied the toughness of our riders, with racers battling not just each other, but also the relentless conditions.” Head Coach and Jr. High Teacher Pete Stoughton said in a statement.

The day was marked by scorching heat, dry trails, and clouds of dust, including a Dust Devil, that followed riders, making racing a challenge and adding to the overall toughness of the course and the riders. 

Despite the brutal conditions, the spirit of the riders, especially the newer riders, “was nothing short of inspiring.”

The dry and dusty trails led to numerous flats, and crashes were all too common as riders navigated the tricky terrain and turns. Yet, it was the determination and persistence of these young riders that stood out. 

Many riders, even after suffering mechanical issues or taking a tumble, picked themselves up and continued on. “The grit and resilience displayed by the kids was remarkable as they pushed through the challenges of the course, refusing to let the obstacles get the better of them,” Stoughton said.

In the end, Stoughton said it wasn’t just about who crossed the finish line first, but about the perseverance and tenacity of each rider showed throughout the race. “The race at Manti was a true test of character, and everyone there left the course with a story of endurance and determination, and a ton of heart,” he said.

Some of the coaches favorite moments include:

– Emma Tullis starting at the back and getting tangled up with another girl, both laying on the ground with their bikes as the field took off.  After getting up, untangling bikes, making sure both girls were ok without any assistance, the girls started their race.  With the field at least a minute ahead of her, Tullis passed 14 girls and sprinted through the finish.

– Podium finishes for Chase Kofford & Porter Hoffman

– Chris Bigelow running into the finish

– Addison Lundberg’s teamwork, especially on the last lap 

– Katie Costello and her first aid skills

Riders with the most passes:

• Lily Stenson – 66th – 4th = 62 passes
• Luke Miller – 82nd – 25th = 57 passes
• Jack Schroeter – 83rd – 31st = 52 passes
• Katherine Snavely – 61st – 9th = 52 passes
• Lily Weinberg – 60th – 8th = 52 passes
• Chase Kofford – 55th – 4th = 51 passes
• Ella Limback – 62nd – 18th = 44 passes
• Zander Petrovitch – 72nd – 29 = 43 passes
• Madden Silva – 46th – 6th = 40 passes

Photographers: Alison Watkins, Barry Hill and Owen Crandall.