A Dunstan High School (DHS) student is gearing up for a nine-week trip to Europe to race in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Junior World Series for cross country mountain biking and he needs the help of the community.

Eddie Adams (17) is training “hard out” until he goes, and at the same time is organising a fundraising event at the Alexandra Airport mountain bike (MTB) tracks.

He said he needs $16,000 for the trip, his first to Europe, and has already squirrelled away about half of what he needs himself. 

From the events in France and Spain he hopes to gain UCI points, to give him a world ranking, and then be selected in the New Zealand team to ride in the MTB World Championships in Andorra, August 28 - September 1. 

“Selection isn’t made until June or July so this is building towards [my goal of] World Champs]. 

“My trip leads up to the world champs and we’ll have to see if I make the team or not. If I don't, maybe I’ll stay on and watch or come home a week early.

“Once I get there, I’m going to train hard and at altitude to get ready,” Eddie said.

Coach James Williamson said Eddie is facing 15 to 20 hours per week of training until he goes.

“That’s training before school and after school. He’s pretty committed . . . and focusing on the process, this is the next step and there’s a fair bit of luck and chance in making teams. He’s getting done what needs to be done.”

Coach James Williamson and Eddie when he won the national title in February. PHOTO: Supplied

Eddie’s dad DHS deputy principal Todd Adams is hoping to accompany his son for part of the time.

Successes for Eddie this season are mounting up.

Along with winning gold in the XC MTB National Championships at Coronet Peak, he won the junior category in The Goldminer 40km endurance event at the same venue earlier in February.

He participated in the under 19 Elite Road National Championships in Timaru earning sixth place (February 8-10), travelled to the Australian Cycling MTB National Series XC round one and two in the Gold Coast (February 3-4) where he earned fourth in round one and then a first in round two. 

He was the fastest individual in Prospector MTB Race on his home turf (March 8-10.)

He earned a fifth placing at the Oceania Cycling Championships in cross country, held at Mount Cotton in Queensland in late March. 

Eddie has been nominated for the Central Otago Sports Awards in the junior sportsman of the year category. 

Read more: Central youngster shortlisted in CO Sports Awards

The upcoming fundraiser is a six-hour MTB, walk or run where you can complete as many laps of the course as you like, individually or in a team.

Eddie said there will be lots of spot prizes, including some biking goods from sponsors, and other local business supporters, a barbecue and plenty of good vibes.

It is koha (donation) to enter, and you need to register on Sunday May 26 by 9am.

If you can’t participate on the day, there is ‘Eddie’s travel fund’ Give a Little page.

Find out more about the fundraiser on the What’ On listing.