Indonesian female downhill rider Milatul Khaqimah made history after officially joining Axess Intense Factory Racing, a professional European team based in England.
Mila, as she is familiarly known, became the first Merah Putih downhill athlete to be contracted by a team from the Blue Continent, while also opening a new path for the young generation of riders in Indonesia.
"I feel incredibly grateful. This is an incredible experience. Previously, I could only watch my idols on video, but now I can race with them," Mila said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
In the next year, the 21-year-old rider will defend Axess Intense Factory Racing alongside a number of world racers, including Joe Breeden and Lousse-Anna Ferguson (England), Oscar Griffiths (England), Mille Johnset (Norway), and Fernando Juan Munoz (Colombia).
Mila emphasized her determination not only to appear on the world circuit, but also to bring the name of Indonesia.
"I definitely want to learn a lot and develop Indonesia's potential. Although downhill isn't yet an Olympic sport, there are still the SEA Games, Asian Games, World Cup, and World Championships, which are equally important. I hope the government and federation will also support non-Olympic events," he said.
