Meet Eli “Apple” Robertson on the Mountain Biking World Stage
Seventeen-year-old Eli Robertson is no ordinary apple picker. While he’s currently working the autumn harvest at Heywood Orchards, he’s also packing for something much bigger: competing in the 2025 Junior World Cup mountain biking series in Europe.

He’s earned a reputation for being both skilled and hardworking—on and off the track. “I used to ask for money instead of presents and sell my old bike to afford the next one,” he explains. Now, he’s sponsored by a handful of supportive brands, including Zerode Bikes, POC helmets, and Berkett Contracting. And this year, Golden Bay Fruit has jumped on board through our Sassy™ apples brand.

He’ll be based in a van with his dad, touring races in Austria and Italy before returning to Nelson to plan the next season. “Eventually, I’d love to race elite. I’m hoping this year’s results get me the points I need to qualify next year.”
As part of our commitment to backing local talent and celebrating real stories from the orchard, GBF is proud to support Eli on his journey. Watch this space—and the Sassy™ Instagram account—for updates from the European race circuit, and keep an eye out for a feature story when he returns.
Go well, Eli. Nelson—and the apple world—is behind you!