Jack's got nationals in his sights | Noosa Cycling | Cycling and Mountain Biking in Noosa

Jack Jude will compete in the Australian National Mountain Bike Championships.

Geoff Potternc

Local mountain bike rider Jack Jude is ready for the Australian National Mountain Bike Championships. The 13-year-old Noosa District High student has been riding since he was eight and has enjoyed mountain and road bike racing for the past two years.

Some of Jack’s impressive results include 2008 under-13 Queensland champion, first in the Junior 2009 Noosa Enduro 50km and third place in the under-15 Sunshine Series.

With discipline and self-motivation rarely seen in a boy his age, Jack has spent the past six months in preparation for the nationals to be held in Adelaide on Friday.

“I’ll be competing in the under-15 division in the Olympic cross country course and will race for about one hour on what is reported as a world-class venue,” Jack said.

Jack’s parents, Chris and Jane Jude, have been extremely supportive in his cycling endeavours.

Chris, an avid road rider, has started to take Jack out on the road to build up his fitness. Father and son often leave home early to do an amazing 120km ride. Jane is always there to help with Jack’s nutrition.

“When you have two fit cyclists in the house you certainly go through the food,” she said.

The Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) website says that 2010 is the first year that the Australian Nationals will offer a champions jersey for the first place winners in age group categories.

“This is a first for MTBA,” the group’s chief executive officer Tony Scott said.

“This is rewarding age class champions in an official way that recognises their efforts in a very appropriate fashion for the Australian MTB Championships.

Chris said: “The race attracts top riders from all over the country and will offer Jack some tough competition. He will be at peak fitness and should do well.”

Jack is a member of the Noosa Trail Blazers MTB club and is keen to represent his club and also local sponsor, Tewantin bike shop Cognition.

“Jack is a very positive person. He puts a lot of effort into training and has been rewarded with some great form going into this race,” said president of the Trailblazers and co-owner of Cognition Greg Long.

“It is great how well Jack is progressing. He is leading a pool of local, talented youngsters.”