HARRY RULES THE HILLS

“Just have fun and keep things varied. Don’t get too focused on performance at a young age – and get a dropper post!” That’s the advice from 2021 XC national champion Harry Burchill, one of the new breed of cross-country talent who are just as happy sending jumps as they are on a torturous climb.

An ambassador for Scott UK and on the senior Olympic programme for Team GB, Harry competed in his first off-road race at just seven years old. He’s gone on to win his category at the National Champs four times – this year overcoming tough competition in a hard-fought race at Newnham Park, near Plymouth, to take the Elite title for the first time.

It’s Nové Mesto in the Czech Republic that’s Harry’s favourite track, though. “I really enjoy natural, steep tracks where you feel a sense of achievement making it down in one piece!” he explains. After completing his 2021 season with an 18th-place finish at the Lenzerheide World Cup, his next goal is to be selected for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.