WORDS: Brendan Abel PHOTOS: Sherco

WANT TO GIVE US AN INTRODUCTION? I’ m Hamish MacDonald, born in Christchurch NZ, 28 / 03 / 99! WHERE DO YOU COME FROM? Christchurch. I have two bothers, Angus and Mitchell, if you spent any time around the enduro scene when I was racing in NZ you will definitely know them! It’ s been a while since either of them have raced, but they’ re still very capable on a bike. WHO TAUGHT YOU TO RIDE? Dad. He kinda just let us ride. I think my brothers and I mostly self learnt, pushing each other. MOST OF US KNOW WHO YOU ARE, BUT WHAT MAKES YOU TICK? I think I’ ve just had a crazy drive to be a world champion. It’ s always been a goal, and that’ s what’ s made me tick. that’ s my motivation to get out of bed everyday and give 100 % effort with everything.

MANY YOUNG RIDERS WOULD LOVE TO BE WHERE YOU ARE, ANY ADVICE? Work hard, don’ t give up. There are highs and lows, every time you hit a low you have to recover and bounce back just a little bit higher. Rinse and repeat. Just remember to try and keep smiling and stay positive when things get hard. IS IT TOP SECRET, OR IS THERE ANYTHING THE PUBLIC CAN DO TO THEIR BLUE STEED TO GET AN EDGE? Haha, it’ s all a bit of a mix and match at the moment. We have had some pretty crazy possibilities to try, and we are doing it all. I won’ t comment on what we’ ve tried, but the bike isn’ t standard, that’ s for sure. One day I’ m sure everything will come out. WHAT’ S YOUR GO TO RACE DAY FOOD? At the moment it’ s just porridge oats, Greek yogurt, and some berries, then carbs during the day, along with gels and caffeine.

KIWI RIDER 21