Robin Horsfield aims to start his season on a bright note by claiming a seventh title in the Winners Edge Mountain Bike Cross Country National Championships.

All eyes will be on the Canada-based rider when he takes to the course at Southlands Park in Warwick on Sunday.

Horsfield’s winning run started in 2018, with his success punctuated by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. That year, he was unable to travel to Bermuda, which allowed Brian Steinhoff to take the honours.

Last year, Horsfield won the Open Male Division in a time of 58 min 46 sec. He saw off competition from Chequan Richardson (1hr 13 min 58 sec), as well as Alex Pilgrim, who took the last podium spot in 1:13:58.

“I’m feeling great, the bike is ready, the course is really exciting and I’m looking to defend my title on Sunday,” Horsfield said.

“It’s the first big race of my season, and it’s nerve-racking because you’re not sure how it’s going to pan out.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s a great race to do. I’m here in front of sponsors, family and friends. It’s really great to start my season off that way, with a race at home.

“I participated in the Fat Tire Massive mountain race out in St David’s last week. That was the last one of the races that they do in the winter and I won that.”

Before coming to Bermuda, the champion spent five weeks training in Spain to prepare for international competitions as well as racing in Canada.

“I did a big training camp in Spain for the 2025 season to get fitter,” the 25-year-old said.

“After this race I’m going back to Canada to continue training. The next race for me is at the end of April when I represent Bermuda at the Pan American Championships in Costa Rica.

“I’m really looking forward to flying the Bermudian flag at that race. After that, I go back to Canada where the summer really gets going with lots of racing for the Canada Cup.

“I’ll be racing almost every weekend from May up to August. I’m also doing the Caribbean Mountain Bike Championships in Dominican Republic in July.”

Panzy Olander, the women’s champion, is not defending her title as she prepares to become a mother.

“Unfortunately I will not be competing this weekend because my fiance and I are about to have our first child,” Olander said.

“It is a bittersweet moment as I would absolutely love to defend my title, but I'm also excited for this new chapter of my life.

“I wish all the best to everyone competing, I know they will definitely do their best on the day.”