Encinitas High Schooler at UCI Mountain Bike World Championships

Luca Cometti, a senior at The Grauer School in Encinitas, was selected to represent the United States at the 2013 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike Championships held in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa from August 26th through September 1st. Luca is competing in the Juniors Downhill Competition time trials where each rider is challenged to maneuver around obstacles such as tree roots, bumps, and banked sections. The World Championship is organized by nationality instead of by commercial teams and only six professional riders and six junior riders were selected to represent the United States.

Luca received a message from Marc Gullickson, USA Cycling Mountain Bike & Cyclo-Cross Program Director, congratulating him for being selected to represent the United States as part of the 2013 Mountain Bike and Trials World Championship Team. Luca looks forward to representing America in a sport and states, “It means a lot to see that all of my hard work spent training and practicing has paid off.”

The USA Cycling Association selected Luca based on his performance at the US Championship and the World Cup.  Luca recently placed 9th (second place against other US riders) in the World Cup race. This is the first year Luca has been selected to represent the United States.

Ever since watching his first biking video, Cometti was intrigued by the energy and excitement of the race and has dreamed of competing in the World Championships.  Luca is most looking forward to the unique opportunity to ride his bike in Africa. “I am also excited to ride and practice with all of my favorite riders of all time,” added Luca. 

Luca competes regularly for the Nema/Nukeproof bike team and is also sponsored by iMountain Bike and Deflexion. Luca sees a Top 10 finish as a reasonable goal for himself at the competition and humbly asserts,  “Even if I come in last place, I’m sure it will be a race I never forget.”

Grauer School Principal Dana comments, "Luca exemplifies the diverse and unique talent pool of our student body. Our small schools model enables us to support independent endeavors like this, campus wide."

–www.grauerschool.com press release