Big Red Cyclists Tackle High Elevations: Exeter’s Team Excels at Killington Mountain School
Last Wednesday, April 20, 22 Exonians competed in a notoriously challenging cycling race at the Killington Mountain School. They covered a steep, uphill, five-mile course that reached an elevation of 1,264 feet. The average gradient was 9 percent, while on some sections, the incline rose up to 22 percent.
This race was an individual timed trial. “Each person rides on their own and races against the clock for the best possible time,” upper Erik Carlson explained. Carlson placed 13th in the Boys A team race.
Prep Garrett Kimball added to Carlson’s description. “Even though everyone raced alone, all the points added up from all the divisions in the end,” he said. “Everyone worked their best to help improve the overall team score.”
“I think that the team functions really well together. Everyone helps each other out with things like fixing flat tires or explaining bike routes.”
This race puts Exeter in second place in the league, behind Profile Academy by just 40 points. Before competing on Wednesday, the team was 90 points behind.
Although the mountain was difficult to overcome, the team was able to prevail. “Everyone was there to provide moral support for each other and to cheer each other on as they made the final push for the finish line,” Carlson said.
Co-captain and senior Killian Dickson commented on the success of newcomers to the team. “We had some new riders who really stepped up and competed at a high level,” he said. “It’s amazing that after only a few weeks of training, we are able to compete with—and beat—other teams who train year-round.”
Dickson credited the recent success to the cycling team’s compatibility. “The whole team works really well together. Everyone cheers for their teammates, veteran riders are always offering advice for the newbies, and we’re all proud of each other’s accomplishments,” he said.
Lower Jamie Demopoulos agreed with Dickson. “I think that the team functions really well together. Everyone helps each other out with things like fixing flat tires or explaining bike routes,” he said.
Upper Josh Hemintakoon elaborated on how close-knit the cycling team is, explaining how the members spend a lot of time together both on and off the road. Hemintakoon placed 15th for the Boys A race.
Prep Ashley Lin, who came in 11th in the Girls A race, also commented on the diversity of personalities within the team. “Everyone on cycling is pretty different, but we all get along really well,” she said.
The cycling team shares an immense passion for the sport. Kimball accredited his love for cycling to his teammates’ support and hard work. “As cycling is a very hard sport both physically and mentally, everyone is constantly cheering each other on, and within our groups, we push each other to get better,” he said.
As co-captain, Dickson attributed his dedication to cycling to his position within the team. Dickson explained that being able to watch the newer riders grow and develop is immensely gratifying. “My favorite part about being captain is being able to watch the younger riders to succeed, and to know that I helped them achieve their full potential,” he said. “Also, being on a bike just feels so natural for me.”
Lin echoed his words. “The feeling of accomplishment afterwards is amazing. I just get so happy after every time I go out on a ride,” she said.