Annabel Bligh, 21, is a mountain biker and final-year Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) student at the University of Canterbury who has raced competitively since the age of 12. She was selected to represent NZ at the U23 UCI Cyclocross World Champs in Liévin, France in 2025 and placed second overall in the Elite Women MTBNZ XCO National series. This Grant supports her attendance at the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Champs in Val di Sole, Italy. Annabel hopes to keep racing at a high level while creating opportunities for young riders, particularly girls.