Fannin County student Aiden Carder competed in the opening round of the USA Cycling National Downhill Series held at Windrock Bike Park in Oliver Springs, Tennessee.
The race was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 12; however, the snowfall postponed the race until the next day. The weather still challenged riders with muddy and snowy conditions.
Carder persevered and placed the highest out of all riders on the East Coast. He placed fourth in the nation for his age group while over 750 other racers competed in the event throughout the weekend.
Downhill mountain biking is a singular timed run down a designated course that is made up of very steep technical features, jumps and drops. The series consists of five races across the United States.
Carder participated in the Tennessee Nationals event. This racecourse is considered to be one of the most difficult in the country.
Carder started mountain bike racing at the age of 6. Now, seven years later, he competes in racing events nationwide. Carder also raced in the Maxxis East Coast Enduro Championship in Blue Mountain, Pennsylvania, last fall. Enduro racing is comprised of multiple downhill race stages. Carder’s races combined for the lowest time and earned him first place overall.