WHISTLER – Jack Menzies is living the dream riding on the Enduro World Series (EWS) circuit.
Fresh off the win of his career at the CamelBak Canadian Open Enduro in Whistler, B.C. on Aug.10-11, the 17-year-old local heads south for some more at next Saturday’s (Aug. 24) enduro in Northstar, California.
“Growing up in a little town like Canmore, you don’t get see many world-class enduro racers, say like in France, but it’s really cool to come out of that small town and know you can compete with the best,” Menzies said.
Congratulations to Canadians Jack Menzies & Lucy Schick who won the U21 category on home soil at #EWSwhistler - the home grown talent is strong here!
— Enduro World Series (@World_Enduro) August 12, 2019
The fearless teen, who honed his biking skills at the Canmore Nordic Centre, ranked in 10th in North America for U21 men and 21st overall on the EWS following last weekend in the six-stage enduro in Whistler, showcasing bikers racing down a mountain over rocks, roots and dirt as fast as they can.
Menzies scored three stage wins in his best overall finish in the biggest competition he’s done, even when things got “squirrelly” out there.
“It was a two-day race … The shorter stages were on Sunday. It poured rain all Saturday night and it was an interesting mix, I had never ridden in the wet,” he said.
Some riders were conservative taking the curves and bumps on the muddy downhill trails, but not Menzies though, who was having fun riding as fast as he could.
“It was just another race – I rode smooth, moved clean and was hoping for a top five spot and I found out it turned out to be pretty good. I was super stoked,” he said.
Joel Harwood, Menzies trainer at Blueprint Athlete Development in Squamish, B.C., said Menzies win cannot be overstated.
"In enduro, the Whistler round of the Enduro World Series is arguably 'the' event to win," Harwood said, in an email. "It is the biggest stage, the hardest course, and the toughest competition. Not only was Jack able to take the win, but he is only 17 years old and his time was competitive enough to place 30th in Pro Men.
"With the right resources and support, Jack could be a world-class racer. He has the potential to be a force in the EWS as an under-21 racer, and with a little luck and a lot of hard work this could translate to success in the elite category."
Recently, Menzies has been working with Blueprint Athlete Development, a "comprehensive and progressive model" for long-term athlete and team development. Harwood stresses a more global approach to athlete development, which he says leads to a more dynamic, stimulating, and flexible program for athletes and stresses the importance of focusing on process, rather than outcome.
"What I like most about Jack's riding is just how well-rounded he is," Harwood said. "There are no gaps. He has fitness, skills, strength, and mental toughness. He is fortunate to have grown up in a community like Canmore. His general athleticism and coachability are great, both of which are a reflection of the community, his coaches, and his family.
"I often tell athletes that in order to be great at anything, they need to be good at everything. Jack could be competitive in any cycling discipline, and I believe it is because of this background, and his pure passion for the sport."
Round six is in the books - what a race! Here's one minute of action from #EWSwhistler at @Crankworx - full highlights coming soon! pic.twitter.com/x3aTNEj3Dn
— Enduro World Series (@World_Enduro) August 12, 2019
Menzies, a recent high school graduate, has been taking his bike from town-to-town this summer, competing in enduros and soaking in experience wherever the two tires will take him.
“I’m hoping to put my name out there a little bit more, get more support for next year, to travel overseas," Menzies said. "I think to move my career forward, I'll have to leave Alberta and move into B.C. – the coast or interior – for harder trails and to push my riding a bit more.
"This was in the back of my mind to have a good result here. I'd like to be up there in the results, and I have two more years in this category (U21). I think for myself, I'd like to get a (EWS) podium."
