The name Callum Morrison is one that is very familiar to usA�as CallumA�pops up on podiumsA�at SA state rounds, VicDH rounds, Nationals and even Crankworx! With that in mind we decided to have a chat with one of Australia’s most promising up and coming riders.
Name: Callum Morrison
Age: 15
Hometown: Mount Gambier South Australia
Cal thanks for talking to us, you’re 15 but how long have you been riding mountain bikes for:
About four years or so, I started riding local trails with my mates.
So racing came next, how long have you been racing for and why do you race:
The South Australian State Championships at Eagle Mountain Bike Park in 2010A�was my first race. It’s is the atmosphere of the racing and the thrill you get from it.
SoA�considering this reasonably short space of time, what race results stand out to you as your favourites:
Placing 4th in the Canadian Open in Under 15’s, winning the 4x National Championships (and series)A�in Under 17’sA�and and placing 2nd at National Championships in under 15’s.
With these results under your belt what are your goals for the future:
To win the VicDH series, finish a top 3 at National Champs, Oceania ChampionshipsA�as well as in theA�overallA�for theA�NationalA�Series (in Under 17’s).
Do you have a specificA�a�?training plana�� or are youA�the typeA�of rider whoA�just goes out and rides:
I ride dirt jumpA�and pump track in my backyard, IA�hardly ride downhill because we dona��t have a big enough hill to ride down.
You live in Mt Gambier, a fair way from Adelaide, what is the scene like down there? You say you dona��t have many big hills so what happens when you want to ride downhill:
Riding downhill is hard in the Mount because the hill is so small and you cana��t get a good enough track, riding DJ and XC is far better to do here and I go to Adelaide to ride theA�downhill or just wait to the next race…
How would you describe your riding style:
I have a moto style from riding motos since i was 4 but otherwise loose!
Do you find similarities between riding mountain bikes/downhill and motocross, has this had a big influence on your riding style:
Yes a lot of techniques in riding style and even the mechanic side too, motocross has helped heaps for my riding style because I loved the wide open rough tracks on a moto and most tracks are fast and rough.
So on the downhill bike what are some of your favourite tracks and riding condition:
I love a fast flowy rough track with big senders but I dona��t mind the old muds getting out because my style is good for mud!
What riders you look up to:
The Athertons, because they are the most chilled out people and shred at any discipline on a bike.
Finally is there anyone you would like to thank:
Big thanks to GT Bicycles, Daktari Sport, Cycling Sports Group, Mavic and My mum and dad for taking me all over Australia.
We will be watching with interest as Cal continues to race various races here and in Australia, to us it looks like the future is bright for Australian downhill.