Pahrump Valley Mountain Biking Club Kicks Off Season with Strong Performances at Union Showdown

The Pahrump Valley Mountain Biking Club kicked off their season with an impressive showing at the Union Showdown, held on Saturday, February 8, in Las Vegas. Competing at the brand-new Union Trails venue, middle school and high school riders took on a fast and dynamic course designed to test both endurance and technical skills.

The Union Showdown course featured a mix of challenging elements, beginning with a section of double-track that allowed riders to establish position early. After sorting out the field, racers faced a quick climb that led into an exciting set of descending switchbacks, adding a thrilling technical component to the race. The course then dipped in and out of a wash before hitting a long double-track climb, providing ample opportunity for strategic passing. Riders then transitioned onto a flowing descent, where speed and bike-handling skills became key. The lap wrapped up with a flat and fast singletrack section before the final push on double-track to the finish. The course featured two loops—one long and one short—depending on the category. The long loop covered 4.6 miles with 277 feet of elevation gain, while the shorter loop measured 3.6 miles with 163 feet of climbing.

Pahrump’s JV3 Girls riders delivered outstanding performances, with Taylor Zalaco securing 1st place in 28:56.62, followed by Samantha Nasso in 3rd place with a time of 44:51.50. In the JV2 Girls division, Ashlon Stewart earned a spot on the podium, finishing 3rd in 59:49.35.

In the JV2 Boys category, Isaac Norton led the way for Pahrump, finishing 9th with a time of 48:15.61. Timmy Stutzman followed closely in 10th place at 49:43.81, while Shaun Street crossed the line in 11th place with a time of 58:16.43.

The JV3 Boys division saw Nicholas Stutzman finish 10th in 29:21.68. Mason Whitney secured 18th place in 27:32.99, just ahead of Wyatt Frausel in 19th with a time of 27:50.71. Ryan Nasso rounded out the group with a 21st-place finish in 29:36.28.

Middle school riders put in strong performances against tough competition. In the MS2 Boys category, Tyler Leavitt secured a 5th-place finish with a time of 25:51.72, while Lucas Silva finished 13th in 27:58.31. They were followed by Everette, who finished 16th at 30:04.99, with Everest Leavitt right behind in 17th place at 30:48.35.

The MS1 Boys division saw Edmund cross the line in 16th place at 37:29.42, followed closely by Gavin Brown in 17th place with a time of 38:34.48.

In the MS2 Girls category, Whitney Frausel delivered a standout performance, securing a 2nd-place finish with a time of 30:27.78.

With an exciting opening race behind them, the Pahrump Valley Mountain Biking Club showed great promise for the season ahead. The riders demonstrated their strength, skill, and determination, setting the stage for even more success in upcoming competitions.