When the Summer Olympics head to France in 2024, one of the sports continuing to gain attention and momentum is mountain biking, especially here in the Grand Canyon state. After beginning in California in the 1970s, the sport’s popularity has grown among adults and especially teens looking to tackle Arizona’s dramatic landscape and rugged terrain.
One of those young mountain biking enthusiasts’ is 14-year-old Zane Thomas of Anthem.
“I love to jump and go fast downhill,” said Zane Thomas. “I would watch videos on social media of people going to bike parks and I knew it was something I wanted to try.”
Two years ago, while still in junior high school Zane came across a post about a Mountain Biking team allowing him to join the nearby Boulder Creek High School team and compete against older students. Zane, who always had a spark for adventure and lives a little on the side of danger, didn’t waste any time. As soon as he arrived at the first practice with a bike a helmet and he was ready to go.
“He was practicing three days a week during summer vacation waking before the sun is up to try and beat the heat. His new coaches were welcoming and so encouraging,” said Mom, Jennifer Thomas.
Unfortunately, that year the Arizona Cycling Association’s season was canceled due to COVID, but the coaches continued to hold practices all season for the teams and the following January the young mountain biker joined an additional MBAA series. This was Zane’s first taste with cross country enduro racing and he fell in love.
“I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion. I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there. He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling,” said Thomas.
When his school year resumed Zane was back racing with the Boulder Creek team and he was so excited to race as a Freshman for his high school. In his first year, he had a great high school season breaking all of his personal goals and ending with the State Championship in Sierra Vista, Arizona. His teammate Gabe Harrelson won the State Championship that year. Zane has now started his second MBAA racing series in January and this time as a Junior Racer for Exhale Bikes Inc.
Even though he’s just 14-years-old he’s currently racing with 15-and-16-year-olds. With northern and southern divisions, his mom says she is still shocked how popular mountain biking has become in Arizona and how many high schools across the state have teams and races on the weekends.
“Race weekends are full of energy and so much fun. The families of the teammates gather in large pit areas as races commence all day,” said Jennifer Thomas. “The teammates support each other at the start and finish line. It is a great group of kids and the families have been so warm and welcoming.”
Zane Thomas loves watching his fellow team members and Red Bull’s professional riders. He hopes to ride like them all one day and his mom hopes he continues doing what he loves.
“It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy. If he is happy then we are happy. I know there are scholarships available and opportunities to travel with this sport. If this is something he decides to do, we are 100% behind him,” she said.
I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion. I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there. He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling. It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy. If he is happy then we are happy.
Jennifer Thomas, MOM
Looking to get your young mountain biker into competing?
Check out the Arizona Cycling Association’s website for more information on the races and resources for Arizona Mountain Bikers arizonacycling.org or nationalmtb.org.
For more information on USA Cycling visit https://usacycling.org.
