Meet Finn Hawkesby-Browne
From the age of 4, Finn was on a little 12" bike mountain biking.
He can't remember a time without it.
Racing at 8 years old, Finn hasn't stopped since, his proudest moment being a win at the ixs European Cup in Pila Italy, and coming 8th overall.
Read about Finn's highlights, and the challenges he faced coming back from shoulder surgery.
• September 21st 2020
Photos: Daz Caulton
"After riding downhill for a couple of years, I decided to do my first race at the age of 8! It was a local club race up in Victoria Park, the track started out easy then it led into a fire road bomb then into a few technical sections, and my dad followed me down for all my runs. Definitely a good introduction to racing."
Wide Open: Hey Finn, where did you grow up, and where are you living now?
Finn Hawkesby-Browne: I grew up in Christchurch, and still live here. It's an ideal place to be for me, with plenty of activities to do, biking, skiing, skateboarding etc.
What does an average day look like for you?
My average day definitely starts out slow with a coffee and breakfast. Then I either head off to work, or go trail or DH riding all day. Then I end up riding dirt jumps or the skate park in the evening. Always trying to mix it up.
What age did you start riding a mountain bike? What got you wanting to ride?
My dad got me into mountain biking when I was 4 on a little 12” bike. So I can't remember a time without it.
When did you decide to compete? Can you tell us about your first event?
After riding downhill for a couple of years, I decided to do my first race at the age of 8! It was a local club race up in Victoria Park, the track started out easy, then it led into a fire road bomb then into a few technical sections, and my dad followed me down for all my runs. Definitely a good introduction to racing.
What does the morning of an event look like for you?
I'll typically roll out of bed, have some breakfast and a coffee, have a stretch, and make sure to warm my shoulder up, then gear up and head up for first practice. Nothing to different to a normal day. It's good to keep things familiar
"My proudest moment would definitely be having a convincing win at the ixs European Cup in Pila Italy, and also managing to pull 8th overall.
It was a super good feeling being able to put a good run down on the track in Pila in the wet, the technical section mixed with fast berms and jumps made it a very challenging track.
For the future, I hope to head back over to Europe and race again for my first year in Elite and beyond, visit new places, and have fun on my bike."
Can you tell us a bit about your journey mountain biking over the years?
Over the last few years I've been lucky enough to go on my first few overseas biking trips. One to Whistler in 2018 for purely bike park laps, then to Europe in 2019 to race some World Cups and ixs Cups. These two trips really helped me progress my riding and were filled with amazing experiences.
What challenges have you faced while riding?
The biggest challenge I've faced would be dislocating my shoulder 10 times last season. It ended up coming out a few times back at home so I went to the physio, then when I went to Europe a few months later it came out again. That's what started the cycle of dislocation. Then as soon as I got home, I had surgery on it, and missed out on the NZ race season. But it all paid off, because it's back feeling strong and I haven't had a problem with it since.
What is your favourite trail, and why?
I've ridden so many good trails, but in terms of flow trails, I would have to say Dirt Merchant in Whistler. Then in terms of technical trails, Black Snack at Val Di Sole. Both very different styles of riding.
Who’s been your biggest inspiration?
Not anyone in particular, but just all the Kiwi riders that have gone overseas to race. It was always a dream growing up to go overseas and race, so watching Kiwis go over and do it made me realize I could do the same
What advice would you give someone thinking of racing bikes?
Just give it a go! Start out and have fun with your mates at a club race - always a good way to get into it
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