Students representing more than 30 Northern California high schools assembled at Granite Bay State Recreation Area for the opening race of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association race season on Sunday.

The Placer Foothills Composite Race Team fielded eight racers from foothill-area high schools, including the home school community. Two Placer Foothills racers claimed podium spots.

Nathan Barton of Colfax High took first place in the freshman boys field, and Logan Hollmer (home schooled) claimed second place in the sophomore boys race.

The six-mile racecourse tracked from the sands of Granite Beach to the oak and rock covered hillsides above Folsom Lake. Racers completed between two to four laps depending on age and skill.

Mountain bike racing, according to the Placer Foothills team, is quickly becoming a mainstream high school sport, with more than 50 high school teams established throughout Northern California. Other local area teams include Granite Bay High, Woodcreek High, Folsom High and Nevada Union.

The Placer Foothills Composite Race Team said it fills a gap, developing foothill high school racers in the hopes that soon dedicated teams will be supported by their local high schools.

The Placer Foothills MTB Club (placerfoothillsmtb.com) and its sponsor Auburn Bike Works (auburnbikeworks.com) continue to train and recruit middle school and high school riders.

Whether for fitness or competition, Placer Foothills MTB Club provides many opportunities for local youth to get out on their bikes to enjoy the foothills.