Description
Hello, my name is Hamish.
I am 18 years of age and have been chosen to represent New Zealand in the Downhill World Championships later this year in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
While I’m over there I will also be competing in the last World Cup race in La Bresse, France which is being held two weeks before the World Championships.
I’ve been racing downhill for 5 years now and have competed in the NZ Nationals for three years in which I gained second in 2017. I take every opportunity to compete in all the downhill racing series, but as they are held all over NZ this is not always possible. I have not been able to do any overseas racing up until now mainly due to funding. Now I have been selected to represent NZ, I would really like this opportunity to do so.
I have always had a passion for riding which started with BMX racing back when I was seven. This has given me great skills which I have been able to take through into downhill racing. I am fully committed to giving the best I can, training at the gym three times a week and taking every opportunity to be out mountain bike riding.
I have been doing all that I can to save the funds necessary for this sport. When I was younger, I did a newspaper round and put these savings towards my downhill bike. As well as saving for the bike, I have to fund safety gear and entry fees for my races. Last year after school finished each day I would head to work at my local bike store. I have now trained up to be a bike mechanic! This is a great skill to have as it allows me to fix/work on my own bike as well as help out other riders.
I’ve have always loved downhill riding and love travelling to races. It would mean so much to me if I was able to pursue this incredible opportunity and represent NZ at the World Championships, however, I really need your support!
