Three up and coming young mountain bikers from New Zealand received thousands of dollars worth of SRAM bicycle components to help them achieve their full potential in the sport. The three SRAM Scholarships were granted after “Video C.Vs” for each of the riders were first judged by users of popular New Zealand cycling website Vorb and then by a panel of judges including ex World Champions Vanessa Quinn and Cameron Cole, Olympian Robyn Wong, top Kiwi freerider Brett Frew, World Cup racer Justin Leov and other high profile Kiwi mountain bikers.

Joseph Nation from Christchurch from took top honours with a 7 minute video showcasing his fast downhill riding style. His entry was the most popular with public and judges alike with Brett Frew commenting “Blasting fast cornering and creative lines on tracks make this rider a stand out also. He has a smoothness that takes the bumps and corners so well it’s very cool to watch.” His scholarship of $2,000 in SRAM components couldn’t of come at a better time, Joseph is heading overseas at the end of May to compete on the international stage.

13 year old Louis Hamilton from Rotorua came away with $1,000 in SRAM components and a whole lot of impressed older riders. Ex World Downhill Champion Vanessa Quinn summed up what everyone was thinking “The kid can ride. At only 13 his style is already there along with his speed in the downhill, watch this space is all I can say…” This award comes after a very successful racing season with Louis cleaning up the under 15s.

Queenstown local Karl Bensemann is already on his way to Whistler for this year’s riding season. Karl ’s video was shot over a day in his home town and was enough to draw this response from riding legend Paul Needham “Really awesome bike control, polished, smooth and flowing. Excellent air control - 10 out of 10 for the massive no-hander and flip. Good 360 too.” Karl will be joining up with other Kiwi freeriders in Whistler, including competition judge Brett Frew.

Props have to go the 7 other finalists; James Hoggan, Oliver Goss, Tom Rose, Simon Barratt, Adrian Loo, Evan Thomas and Nathan Lynn-Watts who were selected by the public from 43 entries from around New Zealand. Owner of the Vorb website Tama Easton says “We recognize how hard it can be for young riders to get the profile and support they need to excel. The SRAM Scholarships are a great way to help them get ahead. We hope this to become an annual event which will launch a new batch of talented young Kiwi riders every year.”

A complete list of finalists videos and judges comments can be viewed here: http://www.vorb.org.nz/article-78470.html

The Hanafins Scholarships of Canon camera gear for the best filmers will be announced later this week.

source: Tama Easton