Canterbury structural engineer Charlie Murray is building an impressive career in Enduro MTB after finishing third for a second straight year in the UCI World Series rankings.
The 29-year-old Specialized Gravity rider completed another UCI Enduro World Series by digging deep in the final round at the weekend.
“I am absolutely stoked how it went. I knew second place was within reach but after a tough crash on the first day, I knew I had to put myself in the best place in case something happened to the leader.
“I managed to beat him on a couple of stages but not enough consistency to get in front of him on the overall.
“Super-proud how I rode to claw my way back from eighth to fourth and secure third spot on the overall for the second straight year.
“It has been a whirlwind season, and very challenging but happy to secure that spot again,” said Murray who also managed the team, and guided hugely promising Christchurch teenager Winni Goldsbury, who finished seventh overall in the elite women.
It proved an emotional weekend for the kiwis, with veteran Matt Walker calling time on his career, while at the other end of the spectrum, Yeti Development NZ teenager, Cooper Millwood from Alexandra, finished second overall in junior men.
“We are lucky we have a great crew and some really strong talent coming out of New Zealand at the moment,” said Murray. “And at the same time hats off to Matt Walker for a stellar career. He did a lot to influence me in my career.”
There is little time to savour the season as the troupe move on to Switzerland for the UCI MTB World Championships next week.
“It is a beautiful location and hopefully can do some damage there,” said Murray.
“It’s a one-day race so no pressure, just light it up and you are either walking away with the rainbow jersey or you are not. That’s the goal – aiming for that top step next week.”
The enduro riders lead-off two weeks of world championship action in Valais, which lies under shadow of the Matterhorn, with the area split between Switzerland and Germany.