Some may say Holly Harris has the home ground advantage at Mountain Bike Australia’s National Cross Country Championships this weekend but the cycling star believes taking on the biggest race on the calendar in her hometown will add pressure.
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“I am not really sure about my form,” she said.
“I guess like all big races you don't really know until the day.
“I am working really hard so I am happy with the work I have put in.
“It is pretty good but I think it adds a fair bit of pressure, I am definitely feeling the pressure this week so I much more nervous.”
Harris is ranked second in Australia in her sport to Olympian Rebecca Henderson who beat her to the country’s only mountain bike place for the Commonwealth Games.
Although she bettered the reigning national champion the last time the two raced – at the Oceania Championships on February 10 – Harris believes Henderson is the one to beat this weekend.
“Bec has never lost a national title yet so I definitely think she will be the favourite,” she said.
While she downplayed her chances in the elite women’s, Holly’s tipped her younger brother Michael to be among the favourites in the under 23 men.
“He is racing really well at the moment,” she said.
“It will take a very good rider to beat him here so I am really excited to watch him race.”
Harris is also eager to see a big Armidale crowd at the university this weekend.
“Definitely have a watch, it will be worth it - especially on Friday night, the Eliminator,” she said.