Claire is a Lynn Valley girl that grew up in and out of bicycle stores with her Dad owning one in North Vancouver before she moved to Whistler to chase the bike life. She originally stumbled into the racing world when she podiumed her first elite nationals qualifying her for the Canadian worlds team.
Photo: Hailey Elise
Her list of cycling achievements are nothing but great, but it’s how she got there that makes her special. Unlike most of her competitors she didn’t take up racing until her late teens where she found success both on the national and international circuits. Her achievements also don’t stop at racing but continue into the world of big mountain riding and freeriding.
- 12 Canadian National Team member and Canadian National Champion 2009
- Top 10 World Cup racer with her first World Cup Podium in South Africa, 2009
- 3rd 2011 World Championships in Champery to Emmeline Ragot and Rachel Atherton
- Winner of Womenzworx and the Gala at Crankworx 2009
- Nominated for International Cyclist of the Year 2009
- Voted one of the "26 Most Influential People in Mountain Biking", Decline Magazine January 2008
Photo: Hailey Elise
Moving forward after her racing career she has found herself giving back to the cycling community with her and her husband Chris Kovarik's coaching business. Together they have been helping the youth of Canadian DH perform at their top level, including supporting the JNR National DH team this year at World Champs in Les Gets, France.
Off the bike Claire finds herself working for Chromag Bikes in Whistler as their graphic designer using her artistic eyes that she sees the world through and playing with her dog down by the river!
You can find Claire on Instagram or Facebook and if you have any coaching questions head over to Kovarik Racing
