Image credit: Curtis Goodrum/CFJC Today

By Marty Hastings

CANADIAN CHAMPION

Pretorius of Kamloops claims national downhill mountain biking championship, Crankworx titles

Aug 11, 2025 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Master of ceremonies Brett Tippie hopped on the microphone to get the crowd amped for Megan Pretorius’ walk to the top of the podium at the Canadian Downhill Mountain Biking Championships last month at Sun Peaks Resort, a local riding trailblazer introducing the next generation.

“Taking the win by seven-and-a-half seconds, from Kamloops, representing the Gravity MTB Racing Team and the Kamloops Cycling Club, your winner, Megan Pretorius!” Tippie announced triumphantly. “Rhymes with victorious.”

Pretorius, 14, edged silver medallist Keira Burborough-Murphy of New Zealand to win the national crown in the women’s under-15 expert division.

“I was more nervous than other races, for sure,” said Pretorius, who is heading into Grade 9 at Valleyview Secondary. “It was way bigger. There were more people watching. But it was pretty great. My race run went pretty well.”

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Pretorius backed up the Canadian championship victory with another gold medal this past weekend at Crankworx in Whistler. She edged Burborough-Murphy and Madeline Lloyd of Australia – national champions in their respective countries – in the U15 women’s division to take first place.

“When I do good at races, it makes other races seem so much easier – more confidence,” Pretorius said. “It’s great.”

The Pretorious family home is positioned above the Kamloops Bike Ranch in Juniper, the ideal backyard for a burgeoning rider with lofty goals.

“I want to race World Cup some day, make a living out of biking, get on a big team, do well in the races worldwide,” Pretorius said. “I want to wear the Canada jersey at world champs and, hopefully, win some day. That would be pretty amazing.”

Pretorius is not the only Kamloops rider who won gold at nationals.

Johnathan Helly placed first in the men’s 19-and-over elite (pro) division, finishing .034 seconds ahead of silver medallist Henry Sherry.