Young gun mountain bike rider Connor Wright set to compete in National Championships this weekend

A young gun mountain bike rider from the South West will compete in the Mountain Bike National Championships in New South Wales this weekend. Burekup talent Connor Wright, who has won the national championships title in his age group for the past four years, will come in as one of the favourites for the under-17 cross country criterium and cross country Olympic events at Awaba Mountain Bike Park in Lake Macquarie. The 16-year-old said he had some nerves ahead of the ride, but his main emotion in the lead-up to the event had been excitement. “I’m definitely keen to ride these trails, I’ve never ridden here before,” he said. “A big hard training block always goes in before these big national events. “I’m looking to win. I believe I’ve got the form to do it and I showed that in the last national round when I went over to Canberra. I’m really looking to get that national title.” Ferguson Valley Mountain Bike Club president Damon Willmore said Wright’s abilities were obvious from a young age. “We’re super excited for him,” he said. “For two years running now, he’s been the fastest in the State open elite on lap times. “Even at 14, his lap times were equivalent to the top-10 elite males in Australia. “Maybe (there’s a few exceptions), but I’ve never come across anyone in the greater Bunbury region that’s as talented (as him) at such a young age.” Wright departed Bunbury early this week with the short track event scheduled for Friday before the Olympic event gets under way on Sunday.