Davis Bourne, a senior at AC Flora (left), won second in the Juniors race in the Greenville Cycling Classic.

For Clayton Walker, biking is more than just a leisurely pastime. It’s a competitive and sometimes dangerous sport. The sophomore at AC Flora High School hobbled into school on Monday a little sore, proudly baring injuries and recounting stories of his race in Greenville.

Walker was among the six members of the AC Flora Cycling Team who raced in the Greenville Cycling Classic last weekend. This was the last race of the year for the Cycling Team which is made up of students and teachers from AC Flora.

The Classic is an annual bike race held in downtown Greenville, home of pro rider George Hincappie. The race attracts both pros and amateurs and provides categories for every skill level.

AC Flora team members rode individually in races according to their age and cycling experience, and several of the members placed in their events. Davis Bourne, a senior, won second in both of the juniors’ races on Saturday and Sunday. Joe Kovaz and Tom Sunday, teachers, placed seventh and 12th in their events respectively.

This year’s course proved difficult for some of the riders. The sharp turns caused numerous crashes, and two cyclists were hospitalized after the first race. Although several of the AC Flora team members were involved in crashes, no one was seriously injured.

The team, founded in 2003 by Tom Sunday, is sponsored by Cycle Center in Columbia. The team meets several times a week and focuses on riding technique and fitness. While it is comprised mostly of AC Flora students, students from Dreher and USC will often join them.