Lewis is riding high

Kate Smail • Published 6 Aug 2010 09:30 0 Comments

INNERLEITHEN downhill star Lewis Buchanan is riding high after his best ever world cup result in Italy last weekend.

The 16-year-old is the youngest racer on the world cup circuit - and his 16th place in Val Di Sole is an unprecedented result for a junior rider.

Lewis, who was just eight seconds behind winner Marc Beaumont, said he was hoping to make the top 25, so was ecstatic to make the top 20.

Now on his way to compete in Crankworx in Whistler, Canada, Lewis took time out to post a blog about the race, he said: "This was by far the gnarliest race course on the circuit. Straight from the start you have the longest, steepest, rockiest shoot with huge compressions and roots.

"When I was at the start I was the most nervous I've ever been - I pretty much felt sick. I sprinted as hard as I could out of the start and just tried to relax on my run and not get carried away. I was so happy to make it down without doing any major mistakes.

"It was such a loose run and was out of control in some sections. I didn't know my result until the result sheets were out and I ended up 16th overall. I was so happy to be fastest junior and to nearly get a top 15 place. It was such a confidence boost.

"I feel I have found the pace and got my head straight."

And Lewis has every right to feel confident - he has just been awarded a highly coveted spot on the British team for the upcoming world championships in Canada next month.

National downhill coach Chris Ball told the Peeblesshire News that Lewis' performance has really got him noticed.

"It's pretty much unheard of for a 16-year-old rider in their first year of racing world cup's to get a top 20 place - Lewis certainly turned heads in Italy.

"He's the youngest rider on the entire circuit so he put in a fantastic effort. It's very rare for such a young rider to show so much talent, especially on a world stage when the pressure is on. I'm incredibly proud of the way he rode in Italy."

And Lewis' Dad Grant agrees: "What can I say? I'm just so happy and so proud of him."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 06 Aug 10

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