CSU MTB Race Weekend Recap #1

The Colorado State University Cycling Team opened its 2026 mountain bike season last weekend at the CMU Rumble at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Led by co-presidents Rowan McMullan and Jorge Zapata, vice presidents Baylor Moir and Elin Hartmann, treasurer Zane McCleskey, travel and safety officer Anson Ward, peer educator Odin Rhode, and event planner Nora Dausch, the Rams fielded a program-record 36 riders—boosted by a deep freshman class—and logged several strong finishes across dual slalom, short track, and cross-country.

The following recap was provided by the CSU Rams Cycling Team.

Last weekend, like many years past, the CSU Cycling Team took on the CMU Rumble at the Powderhorn Mountain Resort. This year, CSU brought 36 riders in total (new CSU record), thanks to our record group of freshmen! Powderhorn, known for its long, steep cross-country climbs and challenging dual slalom and downhill courses, was the perfect place to kick off the 2026 MTB season.

The Rams kicked off the weekend on Saturday with dual slalom in the morning and short track (XCC) in the afternoon. For those unfamiliar with the format, imagine an Olympic dual slalom ski race but on bikes. The race format calls for every rider to complete one lap on each side of the course, and then the times are averaged out to create an elimination bracket. The dual slalom course, featuring a harrowing 4 foot tall “scrub wall” dead in the middle of the course, was one of the highlights of the weekend, as it’s probably the most spectator friendly event. CSU teammates lined the course to watch the carnage unfold. Later that day, the XC group took on the fast and furious short track course, featuring a 1-2 minute leg burning climb. As the name implies, the race is only 20 minutes long, meaning it’s an absolute all out effort on every lap.

Saturday Top Results

Women’s XCC

• Elin Hartmann: 4th C1 Women

Men’s XCC

• Odin Rhode: 14th C1 Men (88 person field!)

• Cade Bosler: 20th C1 Men

• Tristan Trantow: 2nd C2 Men

Women’s DS

• Brooke Bowman: 22nd

Men’s DS

• Preston Nishkian: 6th C1/2 Men

• Rowan McMullan: 19th C1/2 Men

• Teague Jackson: 2nd C3 Men

• Erik Martin: 7th C3 Men

• Garrett Madick: 9th C3 Men

To finish off the weekend, the Rams were scheduled to take on the XCO and DH races. The XC team had an early start to the day, with the first races starting at 8AM. Yet, unlike 8AM lectures, everyone made it to the start line in one piece! With some rain overnight and cooler temperatures in the morning, the XC crew enjoyed some great, tough racing before the clouds rolled in. The 7-10 minute, 700 foot climb featured in the XC always proves to be a challenge for riders, separating the fields from lap one! Unfortunately, because of somewhat unforeseen circumstances, the DH race was cancelled due to severe weather. Even without any racing, the DH team kept their spirits high and made the most of the day!

Sunday Top Results

Women’s XCO

• Elin Hartmann: 4th C1 Women

• Mckenna Marino: 17th C1 Women

Men’s XCO

• Cade Bosler: 17th C1 Men

• Odin Rhode: 26th C1 Men

• Tristan Trantow: 14th C2 Men

DH

• Cancelled due to weather

The Rams showed up big time at the 2026 CMU Rumble, leaving a lot to be proud of and to look forward to. Next up, CSU will be headed to Boulder to race at Valmont Bike Park as a nice and close event before Blackhawk and Crested Butte. Look out for the DS (dual slalom) and XCC/XCO results from Boulder, as the Rams will be sending around 15-20 riders.

CSU Cycling Fall 2026 MTB Schedule

• Aug 29–30: CMU Powderhorn (Powderhorn Mountain Resort)

• Sept 5–6: Boulder Race (Valmont Bike Park)

• Sept 12–13: Mines Oredigger Challenge (Black Hawk)

• Sept 19–20: Western Crested Butte

• Sept 26–27: FLC Squawker Classic (Durango)

• Oct 7–11: Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals (Powderhorn Mountain Resort)