Name: Leyla Sharman Hometown: Hobart, Tasmania Sponsors: DHaRCO, Specialized Australia, Smith Optics, Gnarly Oz, Echelon Sports, Roll Cycles, Koda Nutrition, Ear Shots, Maydena Bike Park Discipline: Freeride, enduro, jumps Instagram: @leylamtb Favourite tune to listen to on the bike:Love again by Dua Lipa
Photo by @jdaseymour
Tell us about your self, Who you are and what makes you so rad?Having fun and lots of laughs is what I love to do. It has always made me feel super happy being on something with two wheels that goes fast! But I also like doing lots of other physical things like surfing and skateboarding. I care about the environment, love animals and I’m fully up for cranking the tunes.
Contests or just riding? Why?
I like riding and contests for different reasons. Since I first experienced competing at Highline this year these are my type of favourite events because they’re so much fun, the crowd is really motivating and there are heaps of different disciplines to try. I can’t wait to go to Crankworx in October.
What’s your all time favourite mountain biking trip?
By far my favourite was going to Harriet Burbridge-Smith’s momentum camp at Highline this year. Four days of hanging out with a bunch of super nice rad girls and learning new tricks on big jumps – awesome!
Photo by @kiphotomedia
What do you love about riding?
Being in nature, the freedom and hanging with my mates.
What you’re most proud of achieving through riding?
Overcoming my fear to do big jumps and tricks. Doing my first downhill comp this year was really scary but I was so stoked that I did it.
One tip you would give to a grom wanting to become a pro rider like yourself.Don’t feel pressured to do stuff you don’t feel comfortable doing. Push yourself just a little bit at a time. And make sure you have fun because that’s what’s most important.