Barlow backed and building speed

UP-and-coming local elite mountain-biker Luke Barlow has reached his next big milestone.

The 18-year-old Team Cyclescape rider has been selected to also represent national team Fox Factory Australia.

“I’ve been riding for Fox as an ambassador since 2019, and as I’ve come into being an elite racer, they’ve approached me to come on board as they rebuild the team after COVID,” he said.

“They’re not just supporting elite and top riders, but the team has riders from the age of under 17 to the over-40s categories, roughly of the same skill level.

“Fox has really expanded their support range to support everyone, not just top riders. It’s amazing.”

Barlow has been supplied with orange Factory parts for his bike, so spectators and officials at competitions can see who he is riding for.

He said he’s still trying to get his head around the sponsorship he’s received, calling it a “dream come true.”

“I become speechless when I think about it. I got so lucky to get so much amazing support,” he said.

“It really does mean the world to me, because as an someone trying to save up to go to Europe next year, the support they’ve given me has freed up so much funding for my World Cup debut next year.”

Before he heads overseas for the World Cup series in 2023, Barlow is aiming to take out the King of Ballarat series, will race in some inter-state comps, and continues to focus on perfecting “the basics of racing” to build his speed and confidence.