Scott Stewart never thought his bike racing would take him as far as he’s gone – especially all the way to the hills of California for national competition.
On the weekend of September 23, Stewart, a 17-year-old senior at Oxford High School, took two top finishes at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships in Mammoth Mountain, Calif. He placed second overall of 24 riders in the under-18 junior expert short track with 25:31.90 and fourth overall of 44 riders in the cross country with 2:14:34.43.
‘I really didn’t have any expectations,? said Stewart about the races. ‘I went out there to see where I stood, and did pretty good.?
Stewart has lived in Oxford with his parents, Robert and Marie, and siblings, Todd and Abby, for about seven years. He began riding and racing mountain bikes around age 13 when his uncle ‘got him into it.?
‘I went to a few races and just got into it,? explained Stewart. ‘He raced and it looked like fun.?
‘I love the personal challenge and seeing what your body can do,? Stewart said about his racing. ‘The hardest part though is during the race. It’s a lot of mental concentration, you’ve got to stay focused.?
To qualify for nationals, Stewart competed in three local competitions. At both the Bloomer Park race in Rochester and the Pontiac Lake race in Waterford, the OHS youth took overall champion for the junior expert division. At the Stoney Creek Metro Park race in Shelby he decided to move up a level and competed in the Elite Open round.
Through the course of a year, Stewart said he normally competes in at least 15-20 races. He practices at least five days a week, and his routine includes endurance training, muscle development and mountain biking on the local courses.
‘I don’t really practice exactly,? said Stewart. ‘It’s more training for different portions of it.?
So what does the future hold for this mountain bike champ? Stewart said he plans to attend Oakland University after graduation, but is undecided in his major.
As for racing, he wants to return to nationals, this time to claim the top spot, and hopes to begin competing in the National Championship Series for a shot at the World Team.
‘That would be the best,? he concluded. ‘That’s where I want to be.?
Photos and complete results of the race in California is available online at USAcycling.org.