Local Teen Cyclist at Top of His Game

Local cyclist Henry Schumm finishes first place at a mountain bike race.

There is greatness among us. Let us introduce you to Henry Schumm, a 16-year-old cross country mountain bike racer from Roanoke who just finished an incredibly successful year with the biggest win of his career, a first place finish at The National Interscholastic Cycling Association at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, MD. And while first place is impressive as it is, he competed against 600 of the best riders from 11 other states, beating the second place finisher by seven seconds and third place by 80.

Henry’s resume is incredibly impressive:

• 26 NICA and VAHS races
• Won 18 of those races, with five second-place finishes
• Made podium all but two races
• Five overall series wins
• One overall second place series win
• Number-one-ranked rider of all ages in Virginia

Henry Schumm being interviewed after his first place win at a MTB race.

Henry has raced for Star City Cycling/Roanoke Star Cycling since 2018 when he was only 10 years old. He will be racing for North Cross during the 2024 VAHS and NICA seasons and will be representing Roanoke Outside and The Black Bibs in his USAC and UCI events.

Athletes at Henry’s level are typically connected with major national development teams that provide professional coaching, sponsorship deals, and extensive race support. Henry has declined the opportunity to join a major team to pursue his goals in his own way. He still works with the same local coach who got him started in racing.

According to his coach, Henry’s main goal for 2024 is to return to MTB Nationals in July and finish in the Top 5 in the 17-18 category. In order to earn the best call-up position possible, he is targeting several major USAC and UCI events during the spring and summer to further improve his ranking. Let’s wish Henry luck as he pursues his cycling goals!

Local cyclist Henry Schumm with family and coach.