From Warkworth rides to global competitions
Words Nikita Oliver Metcalfe
In the world of mountain biking, where rugged trails and adrenaline rushes define the sport, one young woman from Warkworth, is taking her talent international. George Swift is a determined and adventurous rider who has turned her passion into a global pursuit, competing in the 2023 Mountain Bike Enduro World Series.
Hailing from Warkworth, George embarked on her biking journey in 2019 with the Dome Valley Mountain Bike group. Little did she know that these early rides would shape her path to becoming a rising star in the world of mountain biking. The pivotal moment came in 2022 when, with much encouragement from her local riding group, she decided to make the bold move to Nelson, renowned as the ultimate training ground for mountain biking in the country.
The move to Nelson transformed her riding skills, pushing her to new heights. It wasn't long before she made a significant mark in the mountain biking world, finishing as the runner-up in the first-ever Enduro MTB Championship in New Zealand in March of this year.
With that achievement under her belt, she set her sights on an even greater challenge: racing in the Mountain Bike Enduro World Series, a global competition comprising seven rounds across the globe. To qualify for this prestigious event, she needed to accumulate enough qualifying points from local races in New Zealand. Thanks to her podium finishes and determination, she secured her spot among the world's elite.
Competing on the international stage has been unchartered territory for George. Racing at this level has required self-sufficiency, with no teams to rely on. Depending on the support of local businesses and her own fundraising efforts to make her dream a reality, she hopes to secure sponsorship for future endeavours.
Enduro mountain biking is a unique discipline where riders tackle multiple timed stages over a day. Starting from a race village at the base of a mountain, riders pedal uphill to the start of each stage, with specific start times for each. Timing begins at the start of a stage and stops when they cross the finish line. The rider with the lowest overall time at the end of the day emerges as the winner.
George’s journey has taken her to far- flung locations, from the rugged terrains of Tasmania, Australia, to the picturesque Mediterranean coast in Finale Ligure, Italy. Despite challenging conditions, ranging from torrential rain to 30 degree heat, and fierce competition from European riders, she’s held her own, finishing consistently well in each race.
Basing herself in the UK for the duration of the series, George has had the opportunity to compete in some local races between stages. Taking top honours in two separate races, including the prestigious Ard Rock in the Yorkshire Dales, the UK’s biggest event with over 3,500 people competing in different classes. As well as winning her category, George came out with the overall win for the fastest female. These victories boosted her confidence and helped her prepare for the final two European races in France.
In Loudenvielle, near the Spanish border, she delivered a stellar performance, finishing 7th overall and elevating her ranking to 15th in the series. The final race in Châtel, France saw George finish 19th, earning her an overall ranking of 16th in the world for Elite Women in Enduro.
An incredible achievement from our intrepid Kiwi cyclist whose determination and tenacity has taken her from Warkworth to world rankings. Her rise to the global stage at only 25 years old is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion. Reach out to George if you’d like to help her continue this remarkable journey.
www.facebook.com/George.Swift.96 | www.instagram.com/GeorgeSwift_212