Big Bear City rider Ian Odom has been on course to rival the best of mountain bikers since an early age. Starting at the age of 14, Odom had only been mountain biking for four years. In his first year, Odom stunned the mountain biking community placing second over all at the Snow Summit Amateur Cup Series, in the junior men's 16 and under division.
In the millennium Amateur Cup series, Odom was unable to race in the fist event, resulting in no points. Despite not earning any points, Odom was still able to continue on and win the over all points championship.
In the 2001 season Odom faced a whole new division, Jr Expert Men18 and under. Although having to face new changes, Odom never veered from his winning ways. Odom won the series by winning three out of five race, placing second in one and not finishing in another.
In true Odom fashion, the 2002 Amateur cup series is turning out to be another winning year.
keeping in the tradition of moving up a class each year, Odom is now flying by riders in the semi pro mens division.
Odom rocked the competition in the first amateur cup race, beating the second place rider by nine seconds. Odom continued on once again leaving all other riders in the dust as he won the second 2002 amateur cup by a full 10 seconds.
The 2002 season has been a defining year for the downhill prodigy. Riding in his first The National Off-Road Bicycle Association series race at Snow Summit CA, Odom did not receive a time or any points. "He had a great race," said father Harry Odom. "The course marshals disputed his time because it rivaled those in the professional class." Ian defense was, "I've been riding these trails for the past 15 years on skis, I know this mountain like the back of my hand."
The third NORBA event in Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia, Odom placed forth out of 50 riders,
Odom recently competed in his third NORBA event on August 3, "He probably would of got first but it was raining and he slipped off the course," Dale said. Odom after slipping off the course continued on and placed third out of 63 riders.
