TACOMA – The Gear Grinders youth mountain bike racing team had its first race of the season on Sunday, April 3 at Swan Creek Park in Tacoma, bringing home three top-five finishes.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the team had a solid turnout for the race despite spring break, officials said.

“We had 15 high school and middle school racers and lots of coach and parent support,” said team spokeswoman Jo Vanderlee.

The Gear Grinders’ three podium finishers this race were  Olivia Cavalluzzi, who finished third place in her high school division; Sam Kuznetsov, first place in his middle school division; and Abe Muldrow, fifth place in his high school division.

The Gear Grinders high school team is currently ranked sixth out of 19 teams.

The middle school team is currently ranked seventh out of 16 teams.