The future certainly looks bright for a couple young BMX riders.

Haylee Laurell and Mason Pike will both represent Cochrane BMX on the world stage in Belgium next year but exactly how far will these two go?! Haylee is ranking as top 8-year-old in Canada and recently placed 1st at Nationals while Mason placed 3rd at Nationals among the ten-year-old boys. 

While some kids are just learning to ride a bike at 5 years old that is when both Haylee and Mason began their BMX careers at our local track. Despite their obvious differences, both share a passion for the sport and what it brings. 

Although eight-year-old Haylee rides with purple grips and pedals she has absolutely no problem keeping up with the boys. "I race the boys and some of them are faster but I also beat some of them too."

It was not shocking for Haylee's parents to learn she had a passion for BMX, as her older brother AJ also races at a high competitive level. Both Laurell kids came in under eight in their respective division's qualifying each for Worlds but it doesn't come without hard work. Spending at least four nights a week at the track, Haylee shares she was extremely excited to learn she was the top eight-year-old because "she has been working super hard."

For Mason Pike, this is the first year he has really pushed himself and the proof is in his ranking. "I placed third on the podium (at Nationals) and won a bronze a medal. I am proud of myself and how well Cochrane did at Nationals."

He is pretty excited to place for World's as this is a first, for the 10-year-old rider. Spending lots of time at the track as well, Mason credits his successful season to "I am more confident, I have a bigger bike, clips and I am jumping."

There are only a few kids ranked expert at the 10-year-old division throughout Alberta and three of those including Mason are at the Cochrane club which makes competing a challenge. "I have been doing new things but getting bored of racing the same competition now; I don't feel like I am being challenged."

Mason will head to Nanaimo, BC at the end of the month for a big race and aspires to be like his idol, Pro rider Tory Nyhaug from Coquitlam who raced in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

It is nice to see though that it is not all about being the best of the best, both riders have a great outlook. Mason shares, "BMX is fun, a good experience, exercise and great for making friends." While Haylee says her favourite is, "riding her bike with friends" and she would encourage other girls to ride because "it is fun and it makes you strong."

Both sets of parents also agree that the Cochrane BMX family makes a big difference. Katie Pike, Mason's mom says the support has been amazing. "Parental support from all the kids and all the riders is amazing, no one is overly competitive." While Rhonda Laurell, Haylee's mom says our local club is definitely helping to guide and mentor the athletes the right way. "They know, yes, your competitor is on the track but until that gate drops and the second you cross the finish line it is about being a good person and teammate no matter what happens on the track. Those are the things our kids are going to take away from the sport whether they continue on or not and remember throughout their life. It is about how you treat people and how you can be competitive but also how you can be a good sport and a good friend."

Congratulations to all the riders who recently walked away with an 'N' plate at Nationals and making Cochrane proud.