SWAS 2023: Hard work and determination pays off for young cyclist

If you start suffering from leg cramps while competing in a challenging 90km gravel race full of climbs, descents and mud, it’s fair to say it’s not going to be an easy ride.

But Finn Reilly’s determination to push through during round five of the UCI Gravel World Series on May 13 in Germany resulted in him earning his best result in that race so far.

After giving chase to the two competitors ahead of him, the South West Academy of Sport athlete ended up third on the podium in Aachen.

“I’ve never sort of pushed through cramps for an hour, an hour-and-a-half before. So, I was pretty happy with that, to learn that I could do that,” Finn said.

“It was the hardest race I’ve done physically and it was also the best race.”

Whether cycling, running or walking, the 17-year-old Dunsborough resident likes to push himself. He recently also competed in the HBF Run for a Reason and walked 75km of the Cape to Cape Track non-stop for 17 hours.

“I like challenges because the more I push myself the more satisfied I am when I finish,” Finn said.