Learning how to ride a bike is one of the first tastes of independence children experience. Lucas Zhou of Surrey, British Columbia, took that notion and used it to become one of the best BMX racers in Canada. Cars.ca is very proud to add Zhou to its stable of sponsored athletes. In fact, this is Zhou’s first sponsorship. The Surrey teen said being on the Cars.ca team will allow him to compete in more races and possibly take on races in Europe. Let’s take a closer look at this impressive young person and his journey.
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Literally, Off To The Races
Zhou’s start in the BMX racing world began with a friend from primary school. An eye-catching sticker on a friend’s bicycle helmet sparked an interest that has taken Zhou on incredible adventures.
“My buddy rode his bike to school, and there was a sticker for a local BMX track, and I asked him what it was,” Zhou said. “We went to the local track and rented a bike. I fell in love instantly.”
BMX racing is not for the faint of heart. Up to eight riders start the race at the top of a dirt track. When the gate falls and the race begins, they must traverse a course comprised of jumps, rollers and bumps. The first person to cross the finish line wins. For an event that lasts less than a minute, more than a fair amount of physical training needs to happen between races.
Zhou spends several days per week split between the gym to work on his explosiveness and the track to hone his riding skills.
Getting To The Biggest Stages
The young Zhou has already earned a lot of success at just 17 years old. His name appears among the best in his division from the various competitions he’s attended. However, there are at least two more major goals that he has left to check off.
“I think my big goal is to make it to the Olympics,” Zhou said. “It’s going to take a lot of perseverance. There are going to be times when things aren’t going my way. I think just sticking with my training program, and just doing what I can do in that one day.”
While he has his eyes on representing Canada in the next several Olympic games, that isn’t Zhou’s only goal. He also has the goal of reaching the world championships.
“I think racing (the world championships) would be super fulfilling,” Zhou said. “It takes a lot to make the world’s team for Canada. Racing the world champs as an elite rider would be pretty awesome as well.”
What Does The Future Hold?
Even with the success that Zhou has experienced, he still realizes there is more work for himself and the sport to do. He would like to see BMX racing’s profile come closer to parity with other countries like the United States and Colombia.
“I hope the sport can grow,” Zhou said. “Some more promotion and/or advertising for local tracks could be really beneficial for the future of the sport in Canada.”
Zhou’s days are filled with training and race planning, but he is still looking to balance a professional BMX racing career with schooling beyond high school.
“I am planning to continue racing BMX and pursue a professional career, as well as a post-secondary education,” Zhou said. “School has always been a big priority in my life, and I believe it will continue to be.”
Everyone on the Cars.ca team is excited to welcome Lucas Zhou to the team. We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in the future, and we look forward to supporting that journey along the way.