By BRIDGET SCOTT
WHILE their talent is already known Australia wide – two of the Van Vliet brothers will have the chance to parade it worldwide next month.
After both achieving podium finishes in the Finke Desert Race, 17-year-old Harrison and 21-year-old Mitchell have been asked to represent their country in Beijing.
The boys, as well as their 19-year-old brother Jake, had been working hard this year to prepare themselves for the iconic Finke Desert Race, which took place on the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Mitchell managed to finish first in his section, while brother Harrison finished third.
Unfortunately for Jake, the quad bike rider who was leading the race, hit a tree only to injure his knee badly enough that he couldn’t continue.
Although the rider was disappointed in the result, he was happy that both his brothers had done so well.
The boys will jet off for Beijing on 16 July, where they will take place in a three day event on 19, 20 and 21 July.
Their mother Trudy is extremely proud of her son’s efforts, and said it is extra special that both Harrison and Mitchell were chosen to go.
“We are all thrilled at the opportunity,” she said.
She also mentioned that the chance to go overseas came as quite a surprise.
“It was a week after Finke when they approached the boys – it was a bit of a shock.”
Motorcycling Australia picked the two riders who it thought would best represent the country to go overseas.
The race in Beijing will be a motocross circuit which neither of the boys are any stranger to.
While their mother and father are unable to go over to watch them, Trudy said the crowds are big.
“The spectators are in the thousands,” she said.
Harrison said he is eagerly anticipating the trip.
“I am absolutely stoked to be asked to attend this event,” he said.
“Coming third in Finke has opened up a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get over to China and ride hard.”
Mitchell also expressed his excitement for the upcoming trip.
“This is such an amazing break and I am so grateful for this chance,” he said.
“I’m really going to make the most of this opportunity and do the best I can in representing Australia.”
