Micayla

Born and raised on the North Shore Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, I
have always been drawn to playing in the woods.  I tried a slew of other sports including sailing, soccer, wrestling, bmx racing,
velodrome (track) riding, and road racing, however nothing has compared to the thrill of racing downhill.

I started mountain biking at the age of 11, following in the footsteps of my older brother who had picked up an xc mountain bike the year before. My competitive nature and drive to be just like my big brother drew me closer to the sport, and I started racing xc at age 13. I was naturally talented at the technical riding aspects of mountain biking, and so, at age 16, I picked up a downhill bike, and never looked back. Racing as a Junior at World Championships the next year, and placing third, propelled me further into the sport and to where I am today. I live to ride and race my downhill bike. Every paycheck, every moment in the gym, every
crash and every lesson learned gets me one step closer to fullfilling my dreams of standing on top of the World Cup podium. I have yet to reach my full potential, but with the help of sponsors and all the generous people around me, I am getting
that much closer every day.

Last year marked a great moment in my racing career: I finally stepped foot on the World Cup podium with a 5th place at Mt. St. Anne. Crossing the finish line feeling strong, and then placing 5th, was the greatest moment in my career thus far. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I hugged my teammates and friends.  In that moment I proved to myself and the world that I am good enough to be on the podium, that I deserve to be there, and that I have what it takes to keep reaching for the top.

Without enough funds to compete in the full World Cup season, I tried my best to keep the wheels rolling; I finished 6th at Windham World Cup, and 6th again at World Championships. I also placed 2nd in three out of four events at Crankworx, as well as 2nd in a Team Event in Innsbruck. I then packed my bags, went home, and got a full time job at Lululemon, a part time job as an Indoor Cycling Coach to Junior Developement kids, and freelance-painting for extra money on the side.  Training every day as well as working my jobs is hectic and tiring at times, but my determination and love for my sport keeps me commited and hard-working in every aspect of my life.

2013 is going to be a great season, and the harder I work now, the more I can
race later, and the more chances I will have to stand on that podium again.