Spring in the air can only mean one thing in 麻豆社国产- bikes on the trails.
The 15-person mountain biking youth group known as Team 麻豆社国产is stacked with talent this season.
Board of director and Team 麻豆社国产racer parent Dan Moberg said this year's team is full of potential.
"It's as strong as it was last year. We're expecting as good or better season."
The roster of riders between the ages of 14 and 20 include Alex Cairns, Phil Cairns, Teri-Rose Davis, Kristan Drygas, Mia Kilby, Mo Lawrence, Rob Leigh, Montana Michel, Miranda Miller, Quinn Moberg, Toby Nolan, Jereomy Pelletier, Lauren Rosser, and two newcomers Nick Bruce and Alex Toews.
Rosser, the 2009 national champ for women's under 17 cross country and downhill, agrees with Moberg's projection.
"We dominate almost every year, almost everybody in almost every category on the podium and this year looks about the same," she said.
Everyone on the tight-knit team is excited to get back on the trails, including Rosser who believes she'll have an excellent season.
"I think the upcoming season is looking pretty good because I've been training a lot."
Team 麻豆社国产diminished in size just a tad compared to last year's team of 17 because a few riders switched focus to more downhill racing, said Moberg.
"A couple of guys were racing cross country and they've just gone to the dark side," Moberg laughed. "So we've lost a few to downhill."
Not all downhill racers have left the predominantly cross country focused team - local downhill racing powerhouse Miranda Miller trains with Team 麻豆社国产in the preseason, according to Moberg.
With the selection process of a new coach currently underway, the board of directors is considering expanding the focus of the team to include more downhill training, he said.
"We're pondering maybe getting two coaches maybe one downhill and one cross country and maybe opening up our team up a little bit more, see if we could get a little bit more kids interested in that."
Moberg said the new coach will be decided on very shortly because everyone needs to start training rigorously.
The first cross country race for Team 麻豆社国产takes place in Roberts Creek on May 8, followed by a competition in Nanaimo on May 23. The first down hill race starts in Kamloops on April 24.
