A strong national and provincial mountain bike season has propelled Gibsons Forrest Riesco to a trip to the world championships next month in Austria.
The Sunshine Coast rider has had a busy stretch, racing the past six weekends, and all the hard work has finally paid off.
He had a first place showing at the Bear Mountain BC Cup, finished fourth at the national championships in Mont Sainte Anne, Que., was second at the BC Cup race in Sun Peaks, third at the BC Cup race at Silver Star, second at the Canada Cup finals in Panorama and third at the Western Open BC Cup race.
After the Western Open BC Cup race on Aug. 5, he received an email confirming that he had been selected by Team Canada based on his results at the Canada Cup events and the Canadian national championships. He placed second overall in the Canada Cup series in junior and fourth at nationals in the junior division, placing him in the second qualification position.
“Being selected is a huge accomplishment in itself for me and a goal that I’ve had for the past few years,” he said.
The worlds are on Sept. 2 and he leaves for Europe on Aug. 25.
“There still isn’t a lot of support for downhill racing, so all the athletes have to pay for their own flights and team fees,” he said. “Worlds is obviously my biggest race this season, but I will also be attending Crankworx for the Canadian Open.”
Anyone who would like to donate financial support for Forrest can do so by contacting him at friesco@telus.net or at Spin Cycles bike shop where he will be working as much as possible before he leaves.
— Submitted
