As their shoes are tightened and their bike wheels are tuned, two bikers prepare for a test of endurance. Grueling races are ahead of them as they will be pushed to their furthest limits. These two bikers are WJ students Wilson Faucette and Yahav Gentry and, although just regular students throughout the school day, this trial of stamina is their reality outside the classroom.

Faucette and Gentry both compete in the USA Cycling Cyclocross series. Cyclocross cycling is composed of off-road racing on a variety of surfaces compared to the traditional on-road races. Faucette competes at the Cat-3 level which includes intermediate racers and Gentry competes at the lower Cat-4/5 level.

Although an unconventional sport, both Faucette and Gentry found their own path to the cyclocross course.

“My dad was into cycling for a long time, so I started with little kid races and then started racing competitively,” Fauecette said.

Just like any student-athlete, Faucette and Gentry have to balance school with their training. Cycling demands a rigorous practice schedule and the two racers have to find pockets of time throughout the week to train.

“I don’t have a coach or anything, so I just decide when I have time to go out and ride,” Faucette said. “I’ll ride up to five to six days in a week all across the county.”

The end goal for cyclocross is nationals. In order to qualify, racers must gain enough points through qualifying races. In the past few months, Faucette has competed in races all across the region and qualified for nationals.

In order to prepare for the race in December, Faucette has ramped up his training. Faucette is excited to be tested among the nation’s best.

“I’m looking forward to being able to race on the same course as the elites,” Faucette said. “I’m doing weekly workouts to simulate cyclocross along with skill training and long rides to prepare.”

Gentry, however, has been coming back from injury. Two fractures in his lower back, originating from a crash last year, have plagued Gentry and his season. Gentry has slowly climbed back to find his way back to the dirt.

“I was told I had to rest for six months which was really difficult for me since I’m a very active person,” Gentry said. “I went from biking seven days a week to having to sit at home and do nothing.”

Through the mud, literally and figuratively, Gentry has maintained motivation for cycling. The ups and downs of the sport are a test for anyone, but Gentry has managed to stay on two wheels.

“I’m a lot more passionate and grateful to race because I think I took it for granted before my injury,” Gentry said.

Pedal by pedal, Fauecette and Gentry continue to move forward in their season. As both continue to compete, they put cyclocross in the spotlight. Although a usually overlooked sport, much more goes into cyclocross than most would think.

“It’s a very technical sport. You have to have the right bike and have time to go out and ride,” Faucette said.

Even when each of their tassels are turned and they graduate WJ, Faucette and Gentry hope to continue to cycle. Their love for the sport extends beyond a mere extracurricular.

“I want to join a college team of some sort and continue to ride,” Gentry said.

This story was originally published on The Pitch on November 15, 2024.