Mountain biking: Ryan honoured with Avery award

Rotorua's Lewis Ryan has won the Patrick Avery Award this year for the most improved rider at the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club. Photo / Ben Fraser

One of Rotorua's brightest young mountain bike talents has been honoured with the Patrick Avery Award, which was created in memory of the late rider.

Rotorua's Lewis Ryan, 16, was presented with the trophy recently for the most improved rider at the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club.

The award was handmade by Avery's father Murray Avery from serpentine and recycled rimu.

It was made in memory of Patrick, known affectionately as Paddy, who died suddenly after falling from his bike during a cycle race in December 2012. He was 21.

"Paddy is still such an inspirational figure of New Zealand mountain biking and someone who has left behind a rich legacy, so for me to have my name engraved on a part of that legacy is amazing," Ryan said.

Ryan is the second winner of the award after Nathan Johnston was presented with it last year.

Ryan has improved greatly this year, recording his best results at major events.

He finished fourth at the under-17 national cross country race in Rotorua and first at the under-16 North Island secondary schools cross country event.

He also finished first in the under-19 category at Xterra New Zealand (off-road triathlon).

"This would definitely be my best season. I have improved a lot and have got my racing sorted and got some pretty good results," he said, adding there were plenty of good riders who could have won the award, so he was stoked to win it.

He said it was a very special award.

"Murray made that trophy himself.

"It is special to the family and it is very special for me."

Ryan said he has been riding since he could walk, and started racing at 11 when he joined the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club development squad.

His family, including his parents and younger sister, all enjoy mountain biking.

The Rotorua Lakes High School student said his goal in the sport was to win a national mountain bike title and continue with Xterra.

He will compete in the 15-19 age group at the Xterra world championships in Maui, Hawaii, in October.

He said his strength in Xterra was definitely mountain biking.

The Patrick Avery Award was presented to Ryan by Murray Avery at the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club annual general meeting.

John McRae from the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and Maryann Avery chose him as the winner.