Andover Cycling looks forward to another strong season this spring despite the lasting snow and ice that will postpone its debut on the roads. Following the team’s fourth place finish last spring, this year’s team consists of new recruits and will be led by Co-Captains Nick Swenson ’15 and Liana Margolese ’15. The team consists of groups that compete in either Class A, B or C of the New England Preparatory School league.
Swenson, who finished 14th overall in cumulative points last year in Boys Class A, hopes to lead the Boys team to success in all Classes. “I think that we can compete really well in Boys A and B this year. We have great depth, and lots of experience,” he said.
Margolese will be leading the Girls team this year, which also has strong returners and great new underclassmen recruits. “The team this season is really promising. We have six new riders and ten returners, with a very strong group racing A for the first time,” said Margolese.
Swenson and Margolese’s combined five years of Andover Cycling experience will make them great leaders of a strong team comprised of riders of all ages.
Scott MacDonald ’15 said, “Swenson and Margolese will be able to find a good balance of fun and function, and I know that they will lead us through a great season.” MacDonald and Swenson will be leading the Boys A group this season after climbing the ranks throughout their careers.
Unfortunately, the team has yet to practice on the roads because of the remaining snow and ice.
Margolese said, “Our biggest challenge right now is the weather and road conditions.
Currently, snow is blocking the shoulders of the road and the ice has created giant potholes that can be very dangerous, especially riding as a group with new racers.”
For the time being, the team is working out indoors on trainer bikes and allowing the new riders to get used to the feel of the bike. The team is doing various training exercises to work on endurance and quick leg movement. Swenson said, “We hope to get riding outside as soon as possible, but we are still three weeks from our first race, so we are not too worried.”
The combination of returning leaders and eager underclassmen will create a successful dynamic throughout the season as the riders progress. The team has made good use of its preseason workouts and looks to come out strong in its first race of the season on April 15 at Proctor.
