The 2015 season is right around the corner! The SW teams are gearing up for what will promise to be another close season of racing. While the SW might be small in size, the racing is close and exciting. Last year the University of Arizona made a strong run at the Division 1 team omnium but fell short by a few points behind perennial powerhouse Northern Arizona.
UA's Kyle Trudeau is on fire- winning the men's open single speed XC race at nationals in July. He'll be supported by 2 time Men's A omnium winner David Carlson as well as Ian Wilkey and Hunter Weiss. NAU will bring a few A riders- notably Kyle Gandy. But, we all know, the conference title isn't won by the A riders, it's won by the team with the most B and C riders. Historically, this has been NAU's strength so time will tell if it pays off.
However, ASU and UNM are seeing a growing interest in mountain biking. UNM, with Doug Torres and Tiziana DeHorney, rocked out the 5th place in the team relay at 'cross nationals. If UNM can bring a few B and C riders they might sneak off with the win.
On the Division 2 side, new varsity program Prescott College is looking to capture the team and individual omniums again. Word on the street is New Mexico State's team is making a comeback. Should they rally the troops, we could see a tight battle on the Div 2 side.
The season starts off at Angel Fire with one of the most difficult XC courses of the season and the only DH race in the conference. Next, the racing moves the Flagstaff for one day of racing in conjunction with the conference's fall retreat. The racing moves back to New Mexico for two XC weekends- first in Las Cruces for the Horny Toad Hustle and then Gallup for the High Desert Screamer. Finally, the season comes to a close in Phoenix with a XC, STXC, and Team Relay.
Who will take home this year's DNA leader's jersey? Can NAU hold off a hard charging UA team for another mountain title or will UNM sneak in and steal the show? We'll find out in two weeks when the season starts!
