Biography
For Malik, being on his bike has always been his happy place. Growing up in the MTB Mecca that is Queenstown, with Gorge Road and Dream Track, he was first drawn to freeriding, but after joining a local club race to give racing a try, he quickly realised that being between the tape is what he enjoyed the most. First competing at Crankworx Rotorua in 2020 as an 11 year old, where he already had some success. In the following years Malik started racing the New Zealand National Series where he was able to win a few of the rounds and ultimately win the overall title. He then set his sights on World Cup racing. The supportive mountain bike community around him has shaped both his riding style and his passion for racing.
Career Highlights
8th 2025 Loudenville World Cup Junior (fastest first year)
8th 2025 Leogang World Cup Junior (2nd fastest first year)
8th 2025 La Thuile World Cup Junior (3rd fastest first year)
9th 2025 Andorra World Cup Junior (2nd fastest first year)
Career History
Athlete Profile
Why do you race: I love racing because of the challenge it brings, and the competitiveness.
What/who started you racing: I had been riding for a while with mates and one day I ended up with them at a local club race, and never looked back.
Weakness: Confidence in my riding some days.
Most important people in your life and career: My Dad, My Mum, and Dan Arthur. Pang and Emmerson Wilkins for their encouragement and support in the early years; and my Physio Peter Forch.
Racing since: 2019
Best part of racing: When it all comes together
Worst moment in career: Breaking my femur at the start of the 2024 NZ National season and missing it completely.
Best moment in career: Putting a good run down at 2025 Oceania Continental Championships and getting the 3rd fastest time of the day, after not seeding as well as I wanted.
General career goals: Keep working towards the top step.
Favourite food: Steak and chips.
Favourite reading: Sports psychology books.
Favourite music: My Spotify account has playlists with everything.
Other sports: Skiing, Rugby
Other interests: Fishing and Free Diving
Best idea of having good time: Doing anything with my mates
Favourite place to travel to: France
Most respected mountain bike riders: Lachie Stevens-McNab (NZL) and Max Alran (FRA).
Other most respected athletes in other sports: Alex Volkanovski (Martial Artist) and Luke Metcalf (Rugby League).
Favourite riding spots and courses: My local home tracks in Queenstown, and my favourite World Cup course is La Thuile in Italy.
Advice to beginners: Don’t give up on it.
If I was not a professional mountain biker….. I would still be at school deciding what to do next.
Objectives for 2026:
To try to leverage the experience I gained in my first year as a Junior to get on the podium next season.