HILDALE, UT — The Creek Valley Condors bike team faced one of their most difficult seasons on record this year, but emerged with powerful stories of resilience, growth, and community support.
Coach Mandy Timpson reflected candidly on a season marked by unprecedented challenges. Despite fielding their largest team yet with 49 riders and full NICA-compliant coaching staff, the season took an unexpected turn when measles swept through the team. NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, sets standards for youth mountain biking programs nationwide.
“It was really hard,” Timpson said. “So many kids got sick, and not just a little sick, but losing lots of weight and muscle sick.”
The outbreak forced difficult decisions, including asking unvaccinated riders to stay home from practices and races. The impact on performance was significant, with some athletes who had reached the podium in early races struggling to finish in the top 20 after recovering from illness.
Girls Rise to Warriors
Despite the setbacks, the season produced remarkable success stories, particularly among the girls in Junior Devo and Devo divisions. Timpson watched riders transform from nervous beginners afraid of small hills into confident competitors tackling challenging terrain.
“These girls went from timid little Devos on two wheels to warriors shredding these NICA race tracks,” Timpson said.
The coach attributed much of their progress to the supportive team culture. “There was no mean girl energy on the track or in the tent. Every one of them was each other’s biggest fan and they knew it.”
Boys Dominate Podiums
The boys’ squad also delivered strong performances throughout the season. Cyril Bradshaw and Darian Dockstader consistently claimed podium positions in every race, alternating between first, second, and third place finishes. Junior Devo boys showed dramatic improvement, with coaches struggling to keep pace with their rapidly developing skills.
Alfonzo Knudson, racing in Junior Varsity E, also secured multiple podium finishes through dedicated training and hard work. Coach Timpson compared his work ethic to team leader Ethan Barlow, noting Knudson’s commitment to putting in the miles needed to succeed.
Leadership Emerges
Older team members stepped up in critical ways, helping with trailer maintenance, race preparation, and mentoring younger athletes. Ethan Barlow, Desmond Zitting, Porter Holm, Serenity Barlow, and Alex Timpson took on leadership roles that helped keep race weekends running smoothly.
“These older kids did not shy away from the work,” Timpson noted.
Despite the hardships, the coach remained focused on what mattered most: making the experience fun and ensuring every young athlete felt valued and supported.
“I had so much fun coaching this team and getting to know these kids,” Timpson said. “I think they are the best kids on the planet.”
The Creek Valley Condors will return for their next season in August 2026, with practices beginning in June. The team is open to students in grades 7 through 12. For more information, find the Creek Valley Condors on Facebook.
