Waiariki Academy of Sport camp - Ohope
Wednesday through to Friday was the Waiariki academy of sport Camp - this camp is for Tier 1 athletes and those who are actively engaged with the academy which included athletes from all squads mtb, golf, Kayak and the general sports squad.
The camp was full on - we had seminars covering a range of areas educating us to excel in our sports, with Craig Tiriana speaking with us about the media, which is a useful tool in promoting ourselves, sponsors and of course our sports. Sam Thompson - physical conditioner at Waiariki also presented us with information on Nutrition, Recovery (SLEEP), and Strength. Also included in the 3 days there were sport specific training sessions for the bike squad this entailed a road ride to Ohope on Wednesday and a mountain bike session in the hills and team building activities 6am runs along the beach, orienteering, surf life saving activities, a boot camp activity, and a much needed pool recovery session.
This camp is ultra important in recapping on the year what has been accomplished and getting us ready for the year ahead it also helps strengthen the Waiariki culture which this year especially after the recent departure of leader Jane Boren is essential in keeping us strong in the pursuit of our goals with the support of each other.
New Bikes Arrive In Time For Huka XL
Photo by: ANDREW WARNER
FRESH WHEELS: Katie O'Neill (left) and Carl Jones will be riding new bikes when they race the Huka XL on Saturday.
Check out the daily post article by clicking this link in Thursdays paper showing off our new sponsors and bikes as we prepared for the Huka XL in Taupo http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/duo-face-some-hard-work-in-big-money-race/1184907/.
Trees Fall like dominos in The Huka XL
After the camp was over on Friday we packed up and down to Taupo to register for the Hula XL race which doubled as the Marathon National Championships. We spent the night at home getting ourselves and NEW bikes (which arrived on Wednesday) ready for the race. With a few hours sleep and a 4.30am start it was race day GAME ON or so everyone thought as 7am rolled around and we were charging off the start line. The weather however, threw out strong winds had other plans. After about 40km the race was called off, trees were falling like dominos on the track and it was too dangerous with the amount of riders on course to continue. Karen Hanlan was leading the women’s, followed by Fiona Mcdermid and then Annika Smail in 3rd with Katie in fourth. While the men’s was lead by Mike Northcott at the time of call off with Dirk Peters in 2nd and Tim Wilding in 3rd, Carl was in 5th. It is of course disappointing that the race was called off however under the circumstance every rider understood the risk with many grateful to just get out of the forest after some close close calls.
