High school racing heats up in Texas

The first-ever Texas High School Cycling League road series kicked off this spring with four events spread over two weekends. The high schoolers are getting a helping hand from Texas' higher institutions of learning. Five of the league's seven races are being hosted by collegiate teams in the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference (SCCCC). Midwestern State University (MSU) and University of Texas are among the schools lending a helping hand to the fledgling league.

"We see it was a win-win and are happy to help grow the sport by supporting high school cycling," said MSU coach Gary Achterberg.

The director of the Texas High School Cycling League, Andrew Armstrong said, "As a former collegiate racer myself, I knew that the partnership was a great idea for both sides and gladly accepted the help. With five of seven events in this inaugural season promoted by SCCC schools, it has allowed the league to focus on things like recruiting, and establishing a solid structure rather than just simply putting on races."

Each race in the series offers individual and team points based on the same system used throughout collegiate cycling. At the end of the season a high school league champion will be crowned at both the team (school) and individual level.

The race series wraps up in Fort Worth with the high school state championships and USCF races on Sunday April 29. Witchita Falls ISD currently leads Birdville High School and Haltom High School in the overall standings.