Seven-year-old Bleiddwn Cook is revved up and ready to go.
The young Squamish dirt biker—whose name means wolf in Welsh—recently came in first place in the 50 cubic centimetres (cc) category for his age group, outpacing 22 other competitors at the Walton TransCan Canadian Grand National Championships in Ontario.
He also achieved 13th place out of 40 riders, in the 50cc GP class of four- to eight-year-olds, one class up from what he raced in for the win.
"It's fun," Cook said matter-of-factly about dirt bike racing.
As he took a break from playing with his Nerf launcher to do the interview on Monday afternoon, Cook told The Squamish Chief he has been riding dirt bikes since he was four.
His favourite thing about riding is the jumps, he said.
Recent successes in Ontario were more meaningful to his family because, though he qualified, Cook almost didn't get to go back east.
Earlier this year, he placed second overall at the Western Canadian Championships, earning the title of top regional qualifier in his age class in the province.
"However, due to financial constraints, it seemed unlikely that he would be able to compete in Ontario," his mom, Nadine Manson told The Squamish Chief.
"It wasn’t until the final day of registration that fate took a turn. Cobra Minicycles Canada, recognizing Bleiddwn’s potential, stepped in to solve the logistical challenge of getting his bike to Ontario. The company generously offered to lend Bleiddwn a bike to race on, ensuring he could participate in the prestigious event."
He also benefited from the support of the company FXR, which "has a strong rider support program that has greatly benefited young athletes like Bleiddwn," according to Manson.
About the trip, Cook also noted he "got to use a plane" to get to the championships.
Cook, who trains primarily at the Green River Motocross Track (MX) in Pemberton, is currently leading the points in the 2024 BC Future West Motocross Championship series.
Asked what he would tell younger boys and girls who may be nervous or unsure about riding, Cook said getting over the fear is worth it.
After that, "it is fun and easy,” he said.
For families considering the sport, Cook’s mom noted that Squamish longtime local dirt bike shop On The Pipe Performance (OTP) owner Chris Harper is “super friendly and supportive of kids” getting into the sport.
“He'd be a great person for kids [and] parents to speak to,” she said.
There may be another dirt biker in the family for Cook to mentor; he became a big brother to a little sister earlier this summer.
Cook's next race is Sept. 7 in Williams Lake as part of the Future West Moto series.
