Comox Valley Schools hosts 2nd annual enduro mountain bike race in Cumberland

Comox Valley Schools is celebrating the success of the second annual Enduro Mountain Bike Race, held April 29 in Cumberland, bringing together student riders from across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Approximately 130 students in Grades 8 to 12 took part in the event, representing 18 schools, including 16 from Vancouver Island and two from the Sunshine Coast. All middle and secondary schools within the district were represented, alongside visiting schools from as far south as Sooke, highlighting the growing popularity of mountain biking as a school sport across the region.

The enduro-format race, which combines timed downhill stages with untimed uphill transitions, provided an important opportunity for riders to prepare for the upcoming BC School Sports provincial championships in Quesnel. Events of this nature require significant coordination, trail access and safety planning, reflecting the complexity of mountain biking as a competitive school sport.

The district extends its appreciation to volunteers Mike Tunnah, Lisa Ludwig, Brett Whitehead and Jana Buckle, teacher sponsor whose efforts were instrumental in making this event happen.

The race was made possible through the support of community partners, including United Riders of Cumberland for trail access and maintenance, Mosaic Forest Management for land access, and the Village of Cumberland for use of village park space.

Prizing was generously provided by Trail Bicycles, Forbidden Bike Company, Ride Like a Girl, Comox Bike Co., Gravity MTB, United Riders of Cumberland and Dodge City Cycles.

Top finishers in each category were:

Bantam girls

  1. Sasha Bone – Cumberland Community School
  2. Joanna Mussellam – Brooks Secondary
  3. Meadow Wesner – Cumberland Community School

Bantam boys

  1. Kaden Wilkinson – Cumberland Community School
  2. Evan McKenna – Cumberland Community School
  3. Cove Hepburn – Cumberland Community School

Junior girls

  1. Meirah Honeysett – Lake Trail Community School
  2. Mya Wing – G.P. Vanier Secondary
  3. Ashley Savard – Mark R. Isfeld Secondary

Junior boys

  1. Nate Kirby – Cedar Secondary
  2. Nico Schum – Mark R. Isfeld Secondary
  3. Ciaran McGrath – Royal Bay Secondary

Senior girls

  1. Echo Slobodzian – Mark R. Isfeld Secondary
  2. Ilse Uhlmann – Brooks Secondary
  3. Adianta Cocksedge-Hamilton – Brooks Secondary

Senior boys

  1. Jack Thompson – G.P. Vanier Secondary (tie)
  2. Elyas Smith – Mark R. Isfeld Secondary (tie)
  3. Harrison Moore – Nanaimo District Secondary

Beyond the podium finishes, the event showcased strong participation, sportsmanship and skill development across all divisions, with student-athletes navigating Cumberland’s renowned trail network – congratulations to everyone involved.