Cooper Millwood (Year 13) has recently competed in the NZ Enduro Champs in Nelson. Enduro mountain biking is an event where racers are timed for downhill / up and down runs but are also required to ride their bikes to the next timed location.

Cooper, who rides for the Yeti NZ Team competed in the U21 Men's section. He stepped up to this age category so that he could attempt to gain entry to the World Enduro Series. Cooper, who only turned 17 last week, could have competed in the U19 grade.

Racing was held over two days and Cooper had the misfortune of breaking his derailleur hanger on the first run, but he still managed to finish stage 1 and 2. He pushed things hard on the second day to try and get into the top two and gain the points he needed to qualify but came up just short placing 4th.

An awesome effort from Cooper - his time would have won him the U19 title.

Cooper also competed in two downhill races in February. He was placed 6th at the Cardrona Downhill and 8th in the U19s at the National Champs held at Coronet Peak.