Nicholas Knight pedalled his way to the top of the XCO BC Premier Series.
The Qualicum Bay cross country mountain biker won the overall title of the U17 Boys division of the series that consisted of races that featured some of the province’s top cross-country mountain bike events.
This was the 15-year-old Knight’s first time to enter the provincial series where points are calculated from the results of each race and riders are ranked in the standings.
“I wanted to get more competition experience so I entered the series this year, said Knight. “To win the overall title was awesome.”
Knight rose to the top of the overall standings after he started the series with a win at the Junkyard Dog XC at the South Surrey Bike Park. He was consistent in all the other races finishing at least in the top five to garner precious points. In the last race of the series, at the Whistler Canada Cup XCO, Knight finished in fourth place
“I didn’t expect to do well since this was only my first year,” said Knight, who is sponsored by Arrowsmith Cycling Club in Parksville. “There were many competitors who have more experienced than me. So it’s great to finish well.”
The Kwalikum Secondary student is now looking forward to his next big goal — to do well at the Canadian Championships at Canmore Nordic Centre on July 19-22. Knight is heading to the Alberta event as a member of Team BC.
“I am excited to go and race in Canmore,” said Knight. “I will try my best there. I am not going to set any goals going there. I will just try to enjoy my time there and get more experience. It’s going to be awesome.”
Knight diligently trains just about everyday and he says his routine differs daily. He says he does long and short distances as well a cardio and other training exercises. He does have a coach but unfortunately he lives in Victoria.
“I wish my coach lives here and I can have access to him,” said Knight. “I am at a disadvantage. I can’t travel to Victoria everyday. But we have managed to make it work. I can call him everyday and he gives me the guidances that I need. So, it’s been good so far.”
Knight said next year he will be moving up a level and he expects the competition to be a lot tougher. But he will be ready he said. He plans to train harder in the months ahead.