Carl and Katie - NZXC Racing: March 2011

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Oceanias

Last race of the season and we didn't quite get this one right. Our heads were in it but a few decisions regarding training during our week leading in left our legs with no snap the top end just wasn’t there. Gutted to get it wrong for a big race but shit happens, we know exactly what went wrong the whole week, nothing to do with the coaching of Evan just bad decisions on trying to recover and sharpen the legs on our behalf. Although 10points for being recovered on the start line a shame the legs were enjoying it a bit too much and cruise mode was on. We won’t be taking deviations from the coaches’ master plan in future we didn't execute the sessions as they were outlined and suffered the consequences. The course however was great fun and boasted some challenging rocky sections and was a good honest mtb track, passing was all out railing in the bush or putting the power down hard when there was opportunity.

Katie’s race U23 women’s Runner up Oceania’s

Due to new rules the U23 is run as a separate race, a major issue was that we were set off 10metres back on the elite women which lead to massive congestion up the first climb and did not give the chance to open up, further frustration was it also allowed for gaps to form as we weaved in amongst the elites to try to get clear tracks. I really did get frustrated after the first lap as I watched the leading U23 ride away while I was behind another rider (elite) struggling to get a chance to get past. I had to really focus back on just riding hard and forget all this for the next laps, I managed to get back on the tail of the leading U23 however one tricky section of the track which only 2 Australian women had dialled one being Rebecca Henderson the lead U23 and the other elite Rowena Fry, meant that Rebecca opened up a gap again which she extended each lap. As mentioned I did not have the legs or the top end speed on the day and could not make up for missing this technical section, which was very disappointing and cost me the title. Rebecca Henderson took the win after a great ride with outstanding skill, I placed 2^nd, and Samara Sheppard 3^rd. All and all in a strong field we were amongst the top elites for our 4 lap’s even despite our difficult start.

I am really happy with my season this year; I have ridden consistently and am bridging the gap to elite riders who last year were a long way ahead. I think this consistency and improvement in my racing along with mistakes I have made which I can learn from and work on in training to come will equip me for nailing a great international session this year.

Carl’s race

All week I was finding it hard to recover, I went out for lap’s of the track learning my lines every day some days doing a lap and giving up I was finding it hard to get the legs back after only 6 day’s recovery from Colville Connection, a 72km mtb race which I struggled with the distance and pretty much wrecked myself to get 2^nd place, cool race though.

I was trying my hardest the whole race and just continually lost place after place until I finished up 10^th bit of a shit way to end the season ae!

Time for a break – Tramping, camping, study, and a lot of working to earn the money to get to Europe!!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Waiariki 2011 Athlete Function

Tuesday was the athlete induction day at Waiariki where the new athletes were welcomed in and everyone got stuck into some team bluiding at the lake. We were a bit late coming down from Auckland but it looked as though everyone had a great day and we joined in the last activities which as usual invovled getting into the lake.

Wednesday night was the more formal side of things, the 2011 athlete function. Formally a number of new athletes were welecomed to their squads and achievements and progess of the accademy are celebrated.

I was super stoked to recieve the manaakitanga award for 2011 for high academic achievements and contribution to the spirit of Waiariki! I must make one pretty good coffee (thanks for teaching me Tim, its clearly paying off). The award is back up on the wall at Tihi with one very jealous Carl whom had possesion of this award last year :)

Samara Sheppard won the Waiariki athlete of the year award after her sucessfull 2010, While Sam Sutton took out the World champion award for taking on the World and coming out on top!!!

Thanks Waiariki :)