Colorado High School Cycling expects 600 riders to participate in its first mountain biking race of the season this Sunday at Snow Mountain Ranch, up from 507 in 2013. The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) sanctioned league said 57 teams have registered for the event, compared to 38 last year.

The event attracted 110 riders in 2010, when Colorado High School Cycling held its first season. The Colorado season includes a four-race series in the fall.

“The primary focus is to deliver a fantastic curriculum of mountain biking skills, where leadership and camaraderie are fostered,” said Executive Director Kate Rau.

The state league actively helps the formation of new high school teams throughout the state and will will expand to two conferences in 2015.

The league is on of 13 NICA has helped launch or sanctioned in 12 states in its bid to establish mountain bike racing as a designated high school sport alongside soccer, basketball, swimming.