Taupo Huka XL

It has been awhile since our last report post singlespeeds in this time we have put in a massive block of training and worked hard in order to earn some much needed money. We had a great physically and mentally demanding weekend at Thornton Beach, attending a development camp as part of the Waiariki Academy of Sport. Another big weekend has just passed as we competed in the Huka XL in Taupo.

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Thorton beach

The weekend went well in Taupo, we cruised down in the morning after a nice 4.30am sleep in and got in to Taupo just after 6 to be on the start line for a chilly 7am start. The event is enormous, with cyclist everywhere. Taupo is taken over and it is great to see the mix up with elite road and mtb riders, relay riders, people out to just complete the event and people out to have a good time. Some extreme bmxers at the end doing some impressive tricks off the ramp jump with Jed Mildon (fellow Waiariki athlete) taking out the competition and even pulling off a world first manoeuvre.

The race was hard for both Carl and I and not from lack of training, we have really been putting in the miles and pushing ourselves to our physical limits with our sights set on Nationals. Taupo was the 2nd to last day of our training block, so we went out put in a hard session and we are pleased with how we finished up and where we are at in the big picture.

Carl’s race had its ups and downs, the down came first at the start of the race but with his secret weapon (a full can of V???) he felt much stronger in the second half and placed 7th in a strong mens field. While my race went along at ONE pace, yes this even included the start line where I definitely was not keeping up, boy was I glad it was an 80km event. I finished up in 4th.

Arnika took out the women’s for her 3rd year running and Mikey claimed the mens Race. Other Bergamont riders also had some great rides in Taupo, Brendon Sharratt finishing up in 5th whilst young Frank Sutton also put in a great time.