Up and coming downhill mountain bike racer Holly Feniak is working hard to earn her spot at the 2012 UCI World Championships in Leogang-Saalfelden, Austria, but she needs a little extra push from the community.
She may be only 16, but she’s already making a big name for herself.
Last year, competing as a junior, she had the fastest time overall by 23 seconds at the Sunshine Coaster and the fastest time overall by 37 seconds at the Western Open in Golden.
This is the Sechelt rider’s first year competing at the pro level, and she has won or earned a spot on the podium for every race she’s competed in.
Holly has been competitive downhill racing since she was 13 years old. So far this year she has won first place at the pro women’s level at the Northwest Cup on May 11 in Port Angeles, coming more than 6.5 seconds ahead of second-place finisher and world cup medalist Miranda Miller. She also won first place at the Sunshine Coaster on May 6, beating out former Canadian champ and World Cup medalist Gatto by more than five seconds. She has placed in the top five in every other race she’s competed in.
She’s currently training hard for her next big race — the Canadian Championships in Mount Ste. Anne, Que. July 4 to 9.
Given her performance so far this season, she has an excellent chance of qualifying to compete in the world championships.
But in order to get there, she needs financial help. That’s why a group of her supporters have come together to create the “Holly’s Quest for the World Champs” fundraising campaign. They’re asking people who are passionate about the sport of mountain biking to make a small contribution that could help Holly make world downhill history.
Contributions can start at $5 — and in exchange for their generosity, contributors will receive thank you gifts such as postcards and posters signed by Holly, T-shirts, Kranked DVD boxed sets and more. There’s even a chance for a few lucky contributors to spend a day mountain biking with Holly at Crankworx in Whistler this August.
“It has always been my dream to compete at the world championships,” Holly said. “This year I’m finally old enough to do it, and I’m certain I will do well. And with your help, we can make it happen.”
To learn more about her fundraising campaign, see www.indiegogo.com/hollysquest.
— Submitted
