Neethling eyes podium at World Champs

South African downhill rider Andrew Neethling has his sights set on a podium finish at the UCI MTB & Trials World Championships later this month.

"A medal is a dream of mine and I have my eyes on that, a medal or even top five and I will be extremely happy," Neethling said.

"If I ride my best and fulfil my potential, then I don't see why that can't happen, and if I do that then I will be extremely proud."

Despite enduring a season riddled with injuries, Neethling said he remained positive ahead of the global showpiece.

"It has been a bit of a roller coaster season for me so far," Neethling said.

"I have suffered a fair few big crashes which is not normal for me and have obviously been pretty frustrating. I'm healthy now though and I'm looking to try build up some momentum heading into the World Champs."

After a shaky start to the year, Neethling booked his best finish in the UCI MTB World Cup series at the fourth event in Canada, where he finished eighth.

"I have just finished the World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne and now I have the Whistler Crankworks festival, then after that I get a few days at home and then it's World Champs," he said.

Neethling hoped his home ground advantage would help him.

"Having ridden Cascades a good few time before, I know most of the course well and then we have enough time during the event to get to know the changes that have been made for this year's event.

"It is nice to know the course well from racing it in the past and I have not paid too much attention to the changes, but I know the course builders are doing a great job.

"I have been working hard for Worlds and to perform well at home has been a goal of mine throughout the season."

(File photo: Gallo Images)

-Sapa