The Great Bike Race — Kathy Stinson

Can Matt win first prize in the town's bike race? He thinks so. Not only is he fast, but he deserves the 18-speed mountain bike being given away. His own bike is falling apart! But Matt has a problem. His friends Mike, David, and Amanda all think they can win too, and practising for the race seems to bring out the worst in everyone. Soon Matt and Mike are barely speaking. Can Matt stay friends with the others after the race is over? If he loses, will he want to?

An air of determined competition surrounded the racers. Matt leaned over his handlebars, ready for the 'Go.' Sweat trickled down the side of his face. He reached up to wipe it away. 'Bang!'