FOR Tamworth's Nick Chisholm, 2019 has delivered a whole new set of sporting opportunities.
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After claiming the 2018 NSW State and Australian under-17 Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships, the 17-year-old has continued his good form by finishing second in this year's under-19 competition.
Held in Victoria, the annual championships attracted the best riders in the country and saw Chisholm finish second behind Corey Smith.
"I had been training for it all year so it was good to get a second-place finish," Chisholm told the Leader.
"Being 17, I am at the bottom range of the under-19 competition in terms of age, so from that perspective it was pretty pleasing to finish second in a field of really strong competitors."
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Chisholm followed his second-place finish with a top six showing at the 2019 Oceania Championships, just one day after competing at the nationals.
"I wasn't feeling quite as good during the Oceanias if I'm being honest," Chisholm said.
"I think it showed in my results, but that is an experience I will take with me going forward."
The second-place finish has seen Chisholm become eligible to represent Australia at the world championships later in the year.
However, he will need strong performances during the remainder of the season to claim his spot.
"My next race will be as a part of Mountain Bike Australia's high performance South Africa Cup team," Chisholm said.
"It will be in South Africa in June and I'm really excited to be part of it.
"After that, I will be competing in Mackay in June as a part of the UCI World Junior Series.
"Hopefully out of those two I should have some good performances because they will be picking the national squad based on those two, plus the season overall."
The Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School student said he was grateful for the support he has received during his young career.
"I wouldn't be where I am without the support of my family, my school and the Mobius Attaquer Racing Team," he said.
"Being a sporting school, everyone has been really supportive of me and what I have been doing.
"My parents are always right behind me and get right into what I'm up to, which is great.
"The team at Mobius Attaquer Racing look after every thing I need, so I am really lucky I joined the team earlier this year.
"I had a massive year last year so hopefully I can keep it going."