After months of rigorous training, four young Castlemaine mountain bikers are set to compete this week at the Australian Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships.
The event, taking place from March 13-17, is hosted at Awaba on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales.
Castlemaine Rocky Riders club members, Claire Melville, Alanna Fletcher, Max McCarthy and Angus Melville, will be competing in both the short track and the cross-country Olympic races.
Claire will compete in the U15 Women’s category, Alanna the U17 Women’s, and both Max and Angus in the Under 17 Men’s category.
These riders are no strangers to competition, having participated in local, state, and national level events both in Victoria and interstate. However, their debut at Awaba presents new challenges, with a course and competition they expect to be particularly demanding.
From a young age, each of these athletes found their passion for mountain biking and racing through their involvement with the local Castlemaine Rocky Riders.
The Rocky Riders pride themselves on being an inclusive, family-friendly mountain bike club offering a range of activities for both children and adults, whether joining as a beginner or an experienced rider.
The club has long served as a fertile ground for young talent, supporting interests ranging from social riding and skill development to racing and even opportunities to move into coaching or participating as a committee member.
By providing regular family-friendly social rides, skill sessions led by qualified coaches from within the club, and the Summer Dirt Grit racing series for riders aged 3 to 15, the club has played a pivotal role in the early racing careers of Claire, Alanna, Max and Angus.
Emphasising rider safety and having fun, the club is committed to fostering a positive and engaging environment for young people of all skill levels and abilities.
As these four young riders give their all this week, their journey from the local trails of Castlemaine to the national stage is a testament to their dedication and skill while highlighting the essential role of the Rocky Riders and similar local clubs in nurturing young athletes and advocating for a healthy, inclusive sporting culture.
You can find out more about Castlemaine Rocky Riders and their events and programs by visiting their website www.rockyriders.com
