POWDERHORN RESORT, Colo. – Fort Lewis College Cycling opened its 2026 mountain bike season over the weekend at the CMU Rumble, sending a program-record 114 student-athletes to compete in the first conference event of the fall.

The 114-rider travel roster surpassed the program's previous record by nearly 25 student-athletes as the Skyhawks opened the season with a full slate of dual slalom, short track and cross country racing.

"We are thrilled to see what our freshmen can add to the team, and we hope our returners can help lead us to a successful season," said Director of Cycling Ian Burnett.

Saturday – Dual Slalom

The weekend opened with dual slalom competition, where the Skyhawks were highlighted by a victory from Abi Pruyn in the women's P/1 division. Pruyn earned the top qualifying spot before working her way through the bracket to claim the win.

On the men's side, senior Travis Bouchard started his final season with a runner-up finish in the P/1 division.

Saturday – Short Track

Endurance racing got underway Saturday afternoon with the men's P/1 short track race. Landon Stoval led the Skyhawks with a third-place finish, followed closely by Dane Gray in fourth.

Maiya Blanchard was Fort Lewis' top finisher in the women's P/1 field, placing fifth to cap off the opening day of competition.

Sunday – Cross Country

The Skyhawks returned to the course Sunday morning for cross country competition, beginning with the men's P/1 race.

Stoval once again paced Fort Lewis, finishing fifth, while Gray followed closely behind in sixth place.

In the women's P/1 race, Blanchard led the way with an eighth-place finish. Halle Britton followed in ninth, while freshman Katja Opfer also turned in a strong performance in her first collegiate mountain bike weekend.

"The Skyhawk team showed some grit this weekend on and off the course," said Chad Cheeney. "It was fun to see them bond as a team through the highs and lows. Our fall mountain bike season happens fast, so this intense group racing early on really gets us locked in and ready for the weeks ahead."

Beyond the results, the opening weekend provided an early look at the depth of the Fort Lewis roster as 114 Skyhawks made the trip to Powderhorn.

"What a weekend," said Brittany Cowan. "Traveling and showing up with 114 student-athletes was incredible and made for a weekend to remember. It was nice seeing the conference so strong with big teams and lots of new women in the fields. We're looking forward to the rest of the mountain bike season."