Ben And Bikes

An interview with Sina Solouksaran, International mountain biking legend, who in 2011, was on his way to representing Iran at the Asian Mountain Bike Continental Championships in China, when he was kicked off the team for nothing more than admission to belonging to a non-Muslim Faith. “I wanted to race for my country, for the sport of Mountain Bike Racing, not for a religion”Leaving his family behind, and assuming refugee status, Sina found himself in Turkey, able to race, but prohibited from racing for his country. He has not seen them for 3 years and he recently missed his Sister’s wedding. With no American Embassy in Iran, this situation shows little chance of changing in the future.Still a refugee, Sina’s path has led him from Turkey, to Seattle and now to Denver.Officially supported by Giant Bicycles in the US, and ironically by Giant Turkey, he has managed to podium in many of Colorado’s premium Mountain Bike Pro Races, but all of those victories come without the all-important UCI points