However, first the amateur athlete has to successfully negotiate two pre-cup events in Europe and hope his results will warrant selection to compete against the big-name international professional riders.
Aitken leaves Wanaka tomorrow to travel to London.
He has spent two years planning and fundraising for his debutant crack at the competitive European circuit.
"The ultimate goal is to make the New Zealand team for the World Champs, but this trip and the competitions are just as much about learning what it takes to be successful and pitting myself against the best," he said.
Aitken said it had been a hard slog fundraising to achieve his European dream.
He was forced to cancel a planned trip last year after he failed to raise the necessary funds.
Injuries have also left the 24-year-old roofer frustrated during this year's New Zealand downhill summer series.
"It all feels a little surreal that I'm finally going.
My biggest worry now is making sure my bike arrives in one piece and at the right place," he said.
While Aitken said his focus was on securing results, he also planned to make the most of his first trip to the Europe and enjoy travelling around the continent's competition circuit.
