Bermuda's National Mountain Bike Champion Robin Horsfield will enter the history books as the top-ranked Mountain Biker in the province of Ontario for 2023.
The result comes after a campaign that included Horsfield's first time on the top step of the podium at the provincial level at O-Cup #3 Sudbury in late July. It also included a sprint resulting in a second-place finish at today's provincial championship race held at Kelso Conservation Area.
Horsfield has competed in the provincial series for six full seasons.
"I remember when one of my seasonal goals was to finish top 10 at these races," said Horsfield. "This is the first of three steps to the top. Provincial, National, than the World Cup. We are more focused at the National level at present so the new mix will have Canada Cups and, hopefully, some more World Cup appearances going forward."
The top-ranked rider in Ontario has, traditionally, been honored with the #1 plate when competing at Ontario Cups the following season.
Horsfield is unsure how many Ontario Cups he will attend but noted that "it's almost a guarantee that at least one Ontario Cup will be part of my training next year. Ideally, these races will become the training ground for higher levels."
"It was a difficult start to the season when I had a snapped chain in Brazil while representing Bermuda at the Pan-Continental Championships.
However, it's all part of sport - there are good days and bad days. Finishing as the top-ranked rider in Ontario represents a good day."
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