Gunnison MTB capped off its Colorado High School Cycling League regular season in Cañon City over the weekend with another third-place team finish, securing third overall in the Crystal Region standings. It was a fitting finale for a team that spent the season punching above its weight against some of Colorado’s fastest young mountain bikers.
The fourth and final regular-season race brought riders to the Royal Gorge outside Cañon City. The 5.6-mile course featured fast doubletrack, technical singletrack, roughly 500 feet of climbing per lap and spectacular views of the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge. Hot temperatures, dust, and a prickly landscape added to the challenge. With regional championships on the line, several Gunnison riders also faced one final opportunity to qualify for state.
The Gunnison MTB female riders turned in an especially impressive showing, claiming four of the team’s five highest-scoring spots. Their standout performances played a pivotal role in powering Gunnison MTB to its fourth consecutive team podium.
Junior Laney Olmstead led the charge with her third consecutive podium, battling to fifth place in the competitive JV girls field and earning Gunnison’s highest individual point total. The result secured her fifth in the final Crystal Region standings and a fifth-row call-up at state.
Sophomore Sol Hausdoerffer delivered one of the weekend’s most inspiring performances, roaring back to the podium with a second-place finish. After battling illness and lung issues that forced her to miss one race and abandon another, Hausdoerffer returned in spectacular fashion. Riding strong and fast, she claimed second on the podium and sixth in the final regional standings.
Freshman Zoe Lee continued her remarkable debut season with another podium, taking third in Cañon City. One of Gunnison’s most consistent performers, Lee has shown grit and determination against a talented freshman field. Her result secured fourth in the regional standings and a strong starting position at state.
Fellow freshman Penny Owens saved her best for last. Gaining speed and confidence throughout the season, Owens delivered her strongest finish of the year, crossing the line in a two-rider sprint, less than a minute off the podium in seventh place. The performance secured her state qualification and a top-10 finish in the regional standings.
On the boys’ side, senior Owen Frazier delivered another valuable performance, battling to 14th against some of Colorado’s toughest varsity competition. Varsity racers tackled three laps, compared with two for other categories, and their results carry the greatest weight in team scoring. Frazier’s finish earned crucial points toward Gunnison’s team podium.
Freshman Luka Olmstead and sophomore Walker Sovick continued their consistency, both earning top-10 finishes and securing top-10 regional call-ups for state. Olmstead narrowly missed a regional podium, finishing just eight points outside the top five.
Senior Zeke New entered Cañon City needing a top-40 finish to qualify for state. Rather than playing it safe, he delivered the best result of his high school career, charging to 23rd place.
Beyond racing, the weekend carried extra meaning as the Colorado League celebrated its graduating seniors during the annual Senior Sendoff. Gunnison honored Owen Frazier, Kyle Mason and Zeke New. Frazier and Mason earned Legacy Rider belt buckles, recognizing four years of League racing, while New joined the team as a sophomore. Together, these three beloved seniors have helped shape Gunnison MTB through their leadership, character, friendships and unwavering team spirit, leaving a lasting impression on teammates and coaches.
“Four years ago, I joined Gunnison MTB because I liked riding bikes. I never expected it to become such an important part of my life,” reflected Frazier. “Through the team, I developed discipline, confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that have shaped who I am today. I also found an incredible community that supported and challenged me every step of the way. The lessons, friendships, and memories I've gained will stay with me long after my last ride in a Gunnison MTB jersey.”
Gunnison’s third-place Crystal Region finish capped a remarkable season of teamwork and determination.
“The level of camaraderie with this team is special,” said coach Matt Estrada. “It’s no wonder they have achieved so much this year as a group. Couldn’t be more proud to coach and support such a great bunch of kids who love riding their bikes and challenging themselves day in and day out.”
While the regional hardware is worth celebrating, the season isn’t over. With 11 of 13 riders qualified for the Colorado League State Championships in Glenwood Springs from Oct. 24-25, Gunnison MTB has one more opportunity to line up against Colorado’s best.
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