Quinn Moberg has tasted national success and he's now looking forward to the opportunity to build on last year's breakout season.
Moberg, in his first National Championships race, placed third in the U17 men's division in Canmore, Alta., on July 17. The Team 麻豆社国产member said reaching the podium was a thrill but that he's expecting more this season.
"I learned a ton last year," Moberg said. "My mindset is a lot better this year and I've really tried to go into this season fitter. Last year was a new experience for me. I'd never travelled to races, but I now know what it's like and want to build on what I learned."
It's Moberg's third year of competitive mountain bike racing and Team 麻豆社国产head coach Mike Charuk said he thinks the sky is the limit for the 17-year-old.
"He's really got a passion and commitment for all things cycling," Charuk said. "He's very young as a racer and needs to fully develop but he's got phenomenal conditioning and is a real asset to the team."
Charuk pointed to Moberg's experience in other sports such as hockey and soccer as huge benefits to his potential.
"He's got great athleticism and that type of versatility is really a plus for any racer," he said.
Moberg has been keeping busy throughout the winter, participating in Team 麻豆社国产training sessions at Republic Bikes on Thursdays, and the team also goes out on group rides every Saturday. Moberg said he has also been hitting the weight room to work on his overall strength and conditioning.
"Training has been going really good," he said. "I've been spending a lot of time in the gym and working with the team is awesome. Overall I'm feeling pretty confident."
This year has seen Moberg's brother Mason join the team and he said he's impressed with the new riders on the squad.
"There's a whole bunch of young, new, fast guys," he said. "They're going to be a lot better than us when they get older."
Moberg said he aspires to one day make it to the national team and compete in more World Cup races. His ultimate goal, as with many others involved in the sport, is to become a national champion, but for this year he aims to win his division and reach the podium in as many races as possible.
"As long as he keeps committed and keeps to the plan, then I think in the long term he could one day be a national champion," Charuk said.
Next up on the schedule will be high school competitions, which take place in April. Moberg said he's also planning to take part in several toonie races in the spring. He also said he plans to participate in a number of the local races, including the Orecrusher and the Test of Metal.
"Test of Metal is always huge for me," he said. "It's got a great atmosphere and it's a race that's definitely marked on my calendar every year."
In the meantime, Moberg will continue hitting the gym hard and working out with Team 麻豆社国产on Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information on the team, visit www.teamsquamish.ca.
