Downhill mountain biker Josh Barry hopes to make some serious impressions in the upcoming national series.

Barry has set himself a lofty goal for the season of finishing in the top three of the national series, a task that is tough with guys like Sam Gaze and Anton Cooper to race against, but he knows if he performs well, it is one that he can achieve.

“I am aiming to place in the top three at the national championships in Rotorua and secure a top three overall ranking for the season.”

While his goals may be lofty, it’s those sorts of targets that push him to succeed.

He first started competing in the sport about six years ago while at Trident High School and the past couple of years has really taken it seriously, especially last year when he raced overseas.

“I have been racing downhill for six years and competing in Europe was the best time of my life. I learnt so much in my riding and the experience itself was crazy.”
Barry recently competed in Auckland at Four Forty Mountain Bike Park in Auckland.

An accident curtailed his hopes of winning, but he did manage to recover and finish seventh overall.

“Unfortunately, crashes are part of the sport,” he said.

A couple of weeks prior, Barry competed in the opening race of the downhill series, which was in Rotorua, and he placed fourth in the open category.

“Getting a top four placing is a solid start to the race season, but I am looking to improve as the season progresses.”

The recent season took him to Europe where he more than held his own on some of the trickiest tracks in the world.

Barry, who turns 21 at the end of the month, also got to race at some amazing places like Val Di Sole in Italy and Leogang in Austria.

“They were amazing but so was Europe in general. Just racing on the European circuit was a highlight.”

“It is definitely my career highlight so far, getting to travel around Europe for three months in 2023 competing on the world circuit and against the best in the world.”

It’s not a sport Barry takes lightly, fitting in as much practice as possible when time allows.

He recommends it to other risk takers.

“I love the adrenaline and fast paced tracks; they really help clear my mind. It can be dangerous, but it’s so much fun.”

Barry is thankful to all the people who have jumped on board to help him with his mountain biking career.

“They’ve all been amazing, all of my sponsors that have contributed and everyone supporting me.”

Next is an event on December 7 at which Barry hopes to surprise a few.