| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 March 1978 Dandenong, Victoria, Australia |
| Team information | |
| Discipline | Downhill and four cross mountain biking |
| Role | Rider |
| Professional team | |
| 2008-present | Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense Cycle |
Chris Kovarik (born 1 March 1978 in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia) is an Australian professional racing cyclist specialising in downhill mountain biking and four cross mountain bike racing. He is a multiple Australian national champion and multiple World Cup winner.
Kovarik started competitive cycling when he was 17 years old and has been a member of the Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense Cycle's MTB Race team [1] since its creation in 2008. Kovarik was joined by fellow Intense rider Finland's Matti Lehikoinen for the 2010 race season.[ citation needed ]
In 2004, Kovarik shattered his ankle, broke the tibia on the same leg and spent 4½ months with a metal cage around his leg, leading to 7 months off the bike and missing the 2004 World Cup/Championship season. At the time, doctors had said that he may never ride again, however, he went on to place 5th in the World Championships in New Zealand in 2005.[ citation needed ]
Chris won the Australian National Downhill Championships in January 2010 at the SRAM Corporation Australian Mountain Bike Championships in Adelaide. [2]
Kovarik's career highlights include: