The Bainbridge Island Gear Grinders, a high school and middle school mountain bike racing team, sent 38 riders to the recent Washington Student Cycling League State Championship at Squichuck State Park in Wenatchee. The Gear Grinders claimed a fourth-place finish overall.

Thirty-four teams from around the state competed in the race.

Seven Bainbridge riders made their way to the winner’s platform to collect medals in their respective categories: Will Siebert tied for first overall, Intermediate High School Boys; Jackson Stoehr got third overall, JV Boys; Red Sheets finished third overall, Beginner Girls; Milo Mcintosh finished third overall, Advanced Middle School Boys; Xin Munson managed fifth overall, Seventh Grade Girls; and Jacob Spinak finished fourth overall, Sixth Grade Boys.

Team officials also expressed a special congratulations to Cameron Albee for winning the FSA Spirit award.

“Hats off to all racers for a great championship race and a great season,” team officials said. “While racing and winning is great, Gear Grinders and mountain biking are about challenging yourself, supporting your teammates and other rides and having fun.”

The season championship also includes a coaches race in which the coaches get to experience what it takes to ride as hard as you can and it is not easy, even going one lap all-out, let alone multiple.