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Downhill Article: Lithgow Mercury
In Tuesday's Mercury:
DOWNHILL cyclist Joel Willis is a young sportsman going places … and fast.
Although only 13 years of age, Joel races in the under 15 age division, but this has not been a setback for the talented rider having built up an impressive list of achievements for one so young.
He is now a State champion after contesting the Downhill NSW championships in Awaba after beating some of the best riders in Australia.
The win was all the more meritorious as the Awaba track is one of the toughest, scariest tracks on the circuit and the victory certainly had heads turning.
Joel got into mountain bike racing after doing a bit of BMX riding.
“I used to go to the mountain bike weekly races with my Dad (Darren) and uncle (Scott Willis).
“It looked like lots of fun, so I started pestering Dad to let me race.”
Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club’s Craig Flynn said: “Joel joined our club several years ago.
“When he first started competing in Downhill at State and National level he actually needed to get special dispensation from the governing body as he was under the minimum age allowed to compete in that format.
“It did not stop him from getting on the podium fairly regularly though.
“He has always been an incredibly smooth rider, is a natural on a bike and is always willing to learn.
“Now he’s starting to get the size, strength and pedalling power to match … he is definitely a kid to watch.”
Full story here:
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Send me a PM if you'd like a high res pdf of the back page from this issue ( I'm guessing you only have the printed version and a link to the story online)
All good Jedi, Pretty sure Jed hooked him up with the hi res photo too. Cheers anyway
Cool, I actually meant a high res pdf of the whole back page of the paper, not just the pic ( I work for Rural Press). No hassle if you want it or not.
Great article and a great young man, good to see he is getting some recognition in the press.
I had the pleasure of riding with young Joel over the weekend and was pleased to meet a young level headed young bloke with a positive attitude, who demostrated modesty and respect to us a visitors to his communtiy.
Lithgow is lucky to have the local mountain bike club I look forward to the future winning ways of Joel Willis, he has a bright future!