Photos and Video Courtesy of Addy Olson
Local Craig Olson competed in the Utah Gravity Series – Super Descent this summer, the biggest competition the state has to offer. Olson, a first-time competitor, did not waste any time to make his presence known. He placed first at Sundance, second at Nordic Valley and first again in the state championship race at Brian Head.
He competed against athletes from throughout Utah between the ages of 13 and 15. Olson may be new to the series, but he was well prepared for the competition. “I practice all the time. I am on my bike at least once a day,” said Olson. “Over time, you feel more in control as you practice. Because if you are out of control, you will crash and if you crash, you will lose. So, there is a fine balance of going fast and staying in control.”
During the state championship race, Olson’s rear tire went flat with about a quarter of the race to go. “It was nerve racking,” said Olson after the race, “but it held up.” With a flat tire and all, Olson and his custom set of Fast Eddy’s Wheels were able to hold off the competition and take the top spot in the race. The win at Brian Head not only gave Olson his second win of the summer, but also made him the Super D State Champion. “It was my first season racing so it was pretty awesome.”
When Olson was asked about his favorite part of racing he replied, “It’s just fun and exciting. The adrenaline, [racing] pushes your limits.”
With the series win, Olson’s chances of receiving an invitation to nationals greatly increases. The national competition will take place next summer. He will also advance to the expert class and began his expert class run when the new season begins in June of 2020
Olson is currently a sophomore at Carbon High and is on the school’s mountain bike team.
