Charlie Vella’s passion for cycling started at home, inspired by his mum, who competed in 70.3 Ironmans. While road biking didn’t spark his interest, mountain biking (MTB) opened a world of adrenaline and excitement, particularly downhill (DH) racing. With his Specialized Stumpy 15 Öhlins Edition, Specialized Tarmac SL7, and Trek Session 8 GX, Charlie has carved out his place in the sport.

Early Riding Memories and Inspirations

For Charlie, some of his best memories are simple yet profound: riding trails with his dad. These moments built the foundation of his love for the sport. Today, he looks up to Ronan Dunn, whose dedication and skill inspire Charlie to push his limits further.

Tackling Challenges and Celebrating Success

The mud-soaked intensity of Crankworx Cairns 2024 stands out as Charlie’s most challenging race. Completing the event was a triumph, but his proudest accomplishments also include being a track and road champion. These milestones show his versatility and determination in cycling.

The Mackay Cycles Connection

Charlie’s journey as a Mackay Cycles ambassador began with a simple email to Kyle Marwood. Now, being part of this community means having a supportive team that stands behind him no matter what. Charlie’s go-to products include the Muc-Off range, which keeps his bikes in peak condition, and he appreciates the variety of bikes available at Mackay Cycles.

Life as a Cyclist

• Monday: Track training
• Wednesday: Hills on the road bike
• Thursday: Dirt and back with the Mackay Cycles crew
• Weekend: Exploring Finch Hatton or Rowallan trails

When the going gets tough, Charlie stays motivated by focusing on his goals, whether it's a bacon-and-egg sandwich post-session or dreaming of riding the trails of Whistler, Canada.

Goals and Vision

Charlie’s immediate goals include cracking the top 10 at Nationals in Toowoomba and excelling at Crankworx. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue racing in his spare time and turning his passion into a source of income.

Advice for Aspiring Riders

For anyone starting in cycling, Charlie’s advice is simple yet powerful: train hard and be consistent. And never forget the essentials—like a reliable helmet.

Join the Mackay Cycles Community

Ready to find your own cycling adventure? Explore the wide range of bikes and gear available at Mackay Cycles. Whether you're just starting or chasing adrenaline like Charlie, we've got you covered.