Bermuda’s junior mountain bikers made their presence felt at the New York Mountain Bike High School League Race yesterday.

Gabriella Arnold, in the Junior Varsity girls, Tristan Narraway, in the Freshman girls, and Deshi Smith, in the Junior Varsity boys, each won their races while Shomari Steed and Christian Oatley finished second and third in the Freshman boys’ race.

“It is fantastic when one athlete is able to shine at a competition such as this and when everyone is able to record exceptional performances it is so much sweeter,” Peter Dunne, the Bermuda Bicycle Association president, said. “These athletes not only performed well in the competition, but served as wonderful ambassadors for Bermuda.”

Arnold’s convincing win was all the more impressive considering she achieved it despite experiencing two flat tyres.

“Arnold flatted twice and was able to swap her wheel both times after returning to the start/finish area where she made her own repairs,” Dunne said. Narraway’s victory was equally as convincing, while Smith led from start to finish to capture top honours in the Junior Varsity boys’ race.

Oatley led the Freshman boys’ race until a mechanical failure forced the youngster to run almost the entirety of the second lap and still manage to secure a place on the podium.

“In perfect conditions and with over 80 students competing across five categories, the local cyclists showed their competitive spirit and fitness in this discipline,” added Dunne.