JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) concluded its mountain bike race at Winged Deer Park on Sunday.

The event featured five waves of races, with hundreds of middle and high school state-level competitive student-athletes in attendance.

The park featured seven trails, totaling nearly five miles, with each trail requiring different lap requirements based on the participant’s experience level.

Katherine Williams, NICA director, said over 50 volunteers came out Saturday to help set up at Winged Deer Park. Families of cyclists traveled all over the region a day early to set up tents and campers.

“Over fifty volunteers helped get everything set up for the practice day, and being out here is just fantastic,” Williams said. “About a year ago is when we talked about having an event here in Johnson City, so we checked it out.”

Adisson Watley, an 11th-grade competitive cycler, was extra grateful to place first in the 16-mile-long Varsity Boys Race.

“Wonderful; it was a great course,” Watley said. “I’m super grateful for the community out here hosting this event. I know it takes so much work to get ready for it; I’m just so grateful for everyone. It really does mean a lot to represent my county, represent all the people that built me up over the years– to be able to race not just for me but them as well.”

Martin Gill, a 10th-grade first-place winner of the 12-mile long Junior Varsity Boys Race, is currently working towards being a state champion.

“Working towards the state champion; its five races and kind of flattened that last race so had to make up for last race and get the win today,” Gill said.

Williams said the event was very successful for its first time hosted in Johnson City. NICA hopes to host in the area again in the future.

“We’d love to host it again; that’s the plan,” said Williams. “We think it’s beautiful and just thrilled to be out here.”