Rider of Year prize
New trophy for Charlie
and that is sure to present a number of new challenges.
But he holds excitement for what lies ahead.
“It is good because there is less pressure to do well,” he said.
“And I can focus on training more now that I have left school – and before I possibly go to university.
“I have already done a couple of U23 races in Spain and managed to win one of them.
“For a lot of the races I enter this year, I will be racing in the same race as the elite riders and occasionally racing against some of my heroes which is good fun.
“My time is split between training at home in the cold and the rain for a few weeks then away abroad for a couple of races and training in the sun before I come home again.
“Training is hard as usual but it is worth it in the end.”
It will certainly all be worth it if Charlie can fulfil his ambition of making it to the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Charlie explained: “Paris [2024] is definitely my main long-term goal, along with several other big races such as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham [2022] and the world champs Scotland in 2023.
“As well as the racing and training, the places I get to travel in and the other opportunities cycling gives me is a big part of why I race.
“Building up to those races, I just want to enjoy riding my bike. Hopefully, with a lot of hard work, the results will come.”
Sc o t t i s h Cyc l i n g ’ s mountain bike coach, Paul Newnham, has been impressed and said: “It has been an honour to watch
Charlie progress through the ranks from mini downhill and cross country to becoming the European youth champion and firstever British male world champion in MTB.
“His drive and determination, as well as strong fitness and skill, is ultimately what earned him this success and the Scottish Cycling Developing Rider of the Year Award.”