The sun is barely up, and the air is crisp as freshman Carson Bagley tightens his helmet and kicks off down the trail. Bagley’s passion for mountain biking has him balancing a rigorous training schedule and medaling in competitive races.

Bagley’s introduction to cycling began with road biking, pedaling alongside his father during small rides. Inspired by watching professional races and legendary cyclists like Tadej Pogačar, his interest in competitive racing grew. At 11 years old, he immersed himself in the world of racing, shifting from road cycling to mountain biking.

“ I really like the biking community and being able to go different places and travel around the world to race,” Bagley said. “[Mountain biking] was also just something different that I had done from a lot of other sports that I had used to do. When I first started it, it was really something I enjoyed. Going down to the beach, riding there and watching the sunset or going to ride and get food.”

In order to build speed and endurance, Bagley trains three times a week with the Foothill Dirt Mountain Bike team, tackling trails at Santiago Oaks Regional Park and Crystal Cove. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, he rides on his own to improve his performance, and he dedicates Mondays and Sundays to gym workouts, recovery runs and massage therapy.

“Training with [Bagley] is cool because he is always there to encourage you, and we are there to encourage each other,” Bagley’s training partner and El Toro High student Nate Waite said. “Even when rides get rough, we’re both there to help each other get through it.”

During races, Bagley’s teammates often cheer each other on and push one another to improve. Long rides together and workout sessions have strengthened the team’s bond.

“We mess around with each other, but at the end of the day, we are all supportive and gather around to make each other better,” Bagley said. “Sharing jokes and laughs at practices is always fun, and going on rides together is always enjoyable.”

With a coaching style that balances tough training with encouraging support, Bagley’s coach, Shahe Kassardjian, has helped him sharpen his technique, build endurance and stay mentally strong through the ups and downs of competition. During training sessions, Kassardjian pushes Bagley through endurance drills and technical skill work. He often offers encouragement after a tough race and has helped Bagley grow into a confident competitor.

“We race rain or shine,” Kassardjian said. “Carson has had to be dynamic and flexible, adapting to different conditions and learning how to handle his bike in ways he never had to before.”

Bagley’s future goals include competing at Tour De France and racing professionally beyond high school. He plans to continue refining his skills and competing in higher-level races, whether it’s through college racing programs or directly joining professional teams.

“Racing professionally is definitely my big dream,” Bagley said. “Ever since I started, I’ve always wanted to win the Tour de France. That would be the biggest goal of mine when I’m in my 20s and 30s, maybe after college, which would be an amazing experience and a huge deal to me.”