Three Oak Ridge High student athletes earned medals in their first interscholastic bike race at the Central Coast Invitational mountain bike race held in Monterey on March 7.

Racing as the "Trojans High School Mountain Bike Club," which is not officially recognized by Oak Ridge High, Maren Cosens took first place in the junior varsity girls’ division, Cody Kaiser earned third place in the varsity boys’ division, and Kyle Beasy grabbed fifth place in the junior varsity boys’ division.

This season-opening race, which kicked off the NorCal High School Cycling League’s ninth season, featured nearly 500 racers representing more than 40 high schools across Northern California. It was the first time the Trojan cyclists were able to see how they measured up against other high school racers in the region.

"It was a really exciting and fun experience," said Cosens after beating her field of 32 girls by nearly one minute on the 12-mile, JV cross-country course. "I learned a lot during the race that will help me prepare for the rest of the season."

Cosens, who also runs cross country and track, had never ridden a mountain bike until early December. She credits her cross-training and coaching for her early season success.

"Our coaches have been great," said Cosens. "They have helped me with my bike skills a lot and they make the club fun."

The Trojans Mountain Bike Club was formed last fall under the guidance of El Dorado Hills resident, Mark Ferry, who saw the opportunity to involve more youth in a sport he’s been passionate about for more than 25 years.

"Our team is really coming along great and Sunday’s race shows we are off to a fantastic start," said Ferry. "It’s very rewarding to see each of these kids excel in both skill and dedication in such a short period of time. We are hopeful that the high school district will recognize our self-funded mountain bike club in the coming season."

Scott Folwarkow, father of freshman racer Dan Folwarkow and JV racer Rick Folwarkow, agrees with Ferry.

"This was an eye-opening weekend," said the proud father. "I saw high school teams with 50-plus riders. I think that’s more than some football programs. The enthusiasm these kids have for mountain bike racing is contagious; my freshman son is really excited about the team and being able to race the next few years for his high school."

The Trojans will be back in action again on March 21 as the second race of the high school series heads to the team’s home track in Granite Bay.

To learn more about the Trojans mountain bike club, go to www.trojanmtbracing.com