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Published

9 months ago

March 28, 2025

For Waheed Hassan, mountain biking isn’t just a sport, it’s a way to stay grounded, reconnect with nature, and strengthen his faith. Whether navigating rugged Lancashire trails or riding through the long days of Ramadan, Waheed blends passion, discipline, and purpose on two wheels and now, he’s helping others find their place on the trail too.

Born and raised in Lancashire, now living in Chorley (“pronounced Charlie,” he jokes), Waheed has been riding for over 20 years. But when the holy month of Ramadan arrives each year, his time on the bike takes on a different kind of meaning.
As he fasts from sunrise to sunset, Waheed continues to hit the trails, blending spiritual discipline with physical challenge and finding something much deeper in the experience. His journey, rooted in faith and a fierce love of mountain biking, is also part of a much wider shift, one that’s pushing for greater inclusion and representation in the cycling world.

Riding through Ramadan

“I’ve learned a lot about guiding others, not just on a trail, but through fear, uncertainty, challenge. Whether it’s encouraging someone down a steep descent or through something tough in life, I believe in helping people see what they’re capable of.”
To manage his energy, Waheed often rides his e-bike in eco mode, which still demands effort but offers flexibility. On stronger days, though, he chooses the analogue bike, like he did on one particularly gruelling ride last year. “I was out in the Peaks with Arun from the Colour Collective. It was a scorcher of a day, and we were in the saddle for five hours, and I was fasting. I remember thinking, ‘This is tough.’ But I also remember thinking I was in safe hands as Arun is a medic”.
“I felt really privileged to be part of what felt like a ‘startup’ for change in cycling,” he says. “The big takeaway? Leadership isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about being yourself with skill. Listening, learning, showing up as your authentic self. That’s how you grow. That’s how you help others grow, too.”
Still, he’s quick to point out that inclusion isn’t just about bold gestures; it’s also about the small things. “I was helping out at an MTB dig day recently, and it felt awkward that the organiser had only considered that the volunteers would eat bacon butties. Marginal gains and acceptance of requirements for others would make a massive difference”.
By sharing his journey, mentoring others, and championing inclusion, Waheed is helping create a mountain biking community that’s stronger, more diverse, and more welcoming to everyone, one ride at a time.
“I’ve been riding for over two decades,” Waheed says, “but honestly, I still treat every day like it’s my first.Enduro MTB helps me unwind, connect with nature, and keeps me buzzing, especially when I’m hitting the downhills or working through tough terrain.”
Waheed joined the leadership training programme launched by British Cycling and Colour Collective in 2022. The course was led by Aneela McKenna, one of the few people of colour in MTB leadership at the time. For Waheed, it was transformative.
That love for riding doesn’t take a back seat during Ramadan; it simply adapts. Waheed begins each day before dawn with Sehri: “a protein-rich, low-carb, low-glycaemic index meal and plenty of fluids with electrolytes,” he explains. “That sets me up for the day, especially if I’ve got a ride planned. I usually head out before sunset, so I know I’ll be able to eat again soon after.”

Leading with purpose

Mountain biking has been a source of healing for Waheed, especially in the years since losing his father to Parkinson’s disease. “I’ve become more mindful of mental health, for myself and others,” he says. “Riding isn’t just physical; it’s a mental workout. You’re constantly assessing risk, making decisions, and solving problems. That helps off the bike, too.”
Managing food and water cravings while cycling through long days of fasting takes more than discipline; it takes mental training. “I tap into sports psychology, managing the ‘monkey mind’ and controlling the controllables,” he says. “It’s all about self-awareness.”
This year, the pair are planning to ride together again, this time up Helvellyn on his analogue bike on the penultimate day of Ramadan. It’s the kind of challenge Waheed relishes. “Cycling through Ramadan brings me closer to Allah. It reminds me to appreciate what I have: a healthy body, a clear mind, and this amazing world around us. There’s so much sadness in the news lately. Being out on the trails helps me reset, reflect, and stay grounded.”
Waheed’s story is a powerful reminder that sport isn’t just about performance; it’s also about identity, growth, and connection. His decision to keep riding through Ramadan isn’t about pushing through pain but rather pushing toward purpose.
His time on the trails has taught him how to manage stress and anxiety, and Ramadan deepens those lessons. “When I ride during Ramadan, I feel stronger. More focused. More confident. More human.”

For much of his riding life, Waheed biked solo or with clubs that “did not consider my needs such as Asian and Muslim values”. That changed when he discovered the Colour Collective – a group working to support riders from diverse ethnic communities and build leadership across the sport.
“It was the first time I felt totally comfortable,” he says. “They respected my values, and I didn’t have to explain or justify anything. Everyone was just… open, supportive, and real.”
With his coaching background and lived experience, Waheed is already stepping into a mentoring role in his own community. He’s been making connections at his local mosque and plans to take a group of novice riders to explore the Rivington trails soon.

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Former Illini basketball sharpshooter Luke Goode engaged to Illinois volleyball star Kayla Burbage

Published

8 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Love is in the air for two of Champaign’s top athletes in recent years. Former Illini men’s basketball wing Luke Goode popped the question to Illinois volleyball middle blocker Kayla Burbage, the couple shared via Instagram on Wednesday.

“Proverbs 18:22: ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord,’” Goode wrote. “Going into the New Years as future Mr. and Mrs. Goode!”

Goode spent the first three years of his college career in Champaign, graduating from the Gies School of Business in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. After his sophomore season was cut short due to a foot injury, Goode bounced back as a junior, playing in all 38 games for the 2024 Elite Eight team. That season, the 6-foot-7 sharpshooter averaged 5.7 points and shot 38.9% from three on just over four attempts per game.

Last season, Goode spent his final year of eligibility playing for his home state Indiana Hoosiers before turning pro. He is currently suiting up for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. In 11 games so far as a rookie, Goode is putting up 7.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in just above 20 minutes per game.

Burbage just finished up her final season of college volleyball. After spending her freshman campaign at Missouri, Burbage decided to make the move to Champaign. As a sophomore and junior, Burbage played in every match on Illinois’ schedule: 60 total. A shoulder injury sidelined the 6-foot-4 North Carolina native for her senior season, but she returned for a graduate year in 2025. In her final season at Huff Hall, Burbage ranked second in total blocks (82.0) for the Illini and had the fifth-most kills on the team (98).

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Hawkeyes Knock Down Nebraska – Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics

Published

25 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

IOWA CITY, Iowa – No. 14 Iowa (12-2, 3-0) defeated No. 20 Nebraska (12-2, 1-2) on New Years Day inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, 86-76.

Sophomore Chit-Chat Wright dominated the day for the Hawkeyes with a career-high 24 points, three assists, and two steals. Senior Hannah Stuelke followed with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists to notch her third double-double of the season.

The Huskers came out to a fast-paced 8-0 run to start the game. Stuelke got the scoring started for Iowa by getting to the line, sinking both free-throws. Three minutes into gameplay, the Hawkeyes began to capitalize on Nebraska miscues. Sophomore Ava Heiden led a 7-0 run for Iowa to bring the gap to 9-12 with 4:46 left in the quarter. The Huskers contained a narrow 21-18 lead headed into the second quarter.

Wright drained a three-pointer to start the second period, tying up the score for the first time on the day. The Hawkeyes went on to gain nine points on seven forced Husker turnovers in the half. Heiden led the quarter with eight points going 4-for-4 on field goals. A combined 26 points, shooting 66.7 percent in the quarter, left Iowa behind 44-45 at half.

The Hawkeyes came out of the locker room with an 8-2 run to put them in front. Iowa forced four Husker turnovers in the first three minutes of the third quarter, capitalizing five points off of them. Stuelke continued to be a difference maker for Iowa with seven points and two rebounds. This momentum pushed Iowa up 64-61 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Hawkeyes continued their defensive pursuit, forcing five more turnovers, adding to their total of 18 on the day. Senior Taylor McCabe hit a three-point basket at 4:32 to power Iowa to the end. The Hawkeyes pushed out a 15-6 run to secure a Hawkeye victory.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

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3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

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Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Hosts The North American Challenge

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – With the season just around the corner, the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball team will host the North American Challenge, a preseason exhibition tournament featuring four teams from the United States and Canada. The two-day event will take place Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4, with matches held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

Joining the Beach in the tournament are UC San Diego, Calgary, and Alberta, bringing together a competitive mix of NCAA and U SPORTS programs for early-season action. The tournament will feature eight total matches across the two days, providing fans with a full slate of high-level volleyball.

Schedule
Friday, January 2

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
11:30 AM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta
2:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
4:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
7:00 PM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary

Sunday, January 4

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
10:00 AM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary
12:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
3:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
5:30 PM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta

Following each match, a Player of the Match from each team will be recognized. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be selected.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Live statistics for all matches will be available via BeachLiveStats.StatBroadcast.com.

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