National mountain bike champion Robin Horsfield has been ranked as the top rider in the province of Ontario, Canada.

His position at the top of the standings comes after a campaign that included a first podium finish at provincial level when finishing third in an Ontario Cup series race in July. He also finished an impressive second place in the recent Provincial Championship race.

Horsfield, who has competed in the provincial series for six seasons, has been delighted with the progress he has made.

“I remember when one of my seasonal goals was to finish top ten at these races," he said. “This is the first of three steps to the top. Provincial, national, then the World Cup.

“It was a difficult start to the season when I had a snapped chain in Brazil while representing Bermuda at the Pan-Continental Championships.

“However, it's all part of sport and there are good days and bad days. Finishing as the top-ranked rider in Ontario represents a good day.”

The top ranked rider in Ontario has, traditionally, been honoured with the No 1 plate when competing at Ontario Cups the following season.

However, while Horsfield is planning on still competing within the series, he concedes his focus will be on trying to make his mark at a higher level in the near future.

“It's almost a guarantee that at least one Ontario Cup will be part of my training next year,” he added. “Ideally these races will become the training ground for higher levels.

“We are more focused at the national level at present so the new mix will have Canada Cups and, hopefully, some more World Cup appearances going forward.”