The mountain bike gods were smiling on four local mountain bike riders over the weekend at the National Mountain Bike Series in Fontana.

Two locals took first place in their respective divisions, while two others finished as runner-up.

The top two local performances came from a pair of Sierra Express teammates.

Nate Byrom, 17, Penn Valley placed first in the Cross Country Junior Expert division, while 24-year-old Chris Thibodeau of Grass Valley raced to first place in the Cross Country Sport Men 19-24 division for the Sierra Express team.

Nevada City 17-year-old Graeme Pitts placed second in the Downhill Junior Expert Division for the Dark Horse Racing Team, ahead of the Junior World Cup Team Captain on a course that was full of tight, rocky switchbacks.

Taylor Cuisinot, a 19-year-old from Nevada City and member of the Xtreme Outfitters team, was also on the podium.

Cuisinot rode to a secondplace finish in the men's Mountain Cross Semi Pro Division.