Why do you continue mountain biking?
I continue to MTB because I love the excitement and the adrenalin rush! Wednesday night racing is always a real buzz - you can either race against your own time from previous races to see if you're improving or you can target some poor soul in the field and spend all season trying to beat them (even though they may never know it). I just love to race to see how hard I can push myself and the fitness that you gain from this is awesome!
What kind of bike/bikes do you have?
I ride a Kona Kula Deluxe which I got off the guys from Bike Barn. It's a hard tail with an XTR groupie. Kona's are an awesome mountain bike to ride. I also ride a Zing Supreme on the road, which is really cool.
What stage of life are you at?
I will be a Year 13 (7th Form) student in 2007 at St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton. I am looking ahead trying to make plans for the future with regards to my mountain biking, road cycling and tertiary education. Definitely not keen to get a job - would lose too much precious time on the bike :)
Any mountain biking highlights you can remember?
I've had a lot of memorable moments, however I think the most memorable for me would have to be either racing in the 2006 Oceania's or National SS champs. In the Oceania's , it was great to go up against the best riders in both NZ and Australia. Both comps were run on really fun tracks and were some of the more challenging thrill seeking races I have been in. I was happy with two top 10 results in the SS Nationals and 13th NZ in the Oceania's, given that I was only 16yrs old at the time and racing in the U19s. I've just won the U19s in the final of the Auckland Champs at Riverhead in Auckland so that's also pretty much up there at the moment!
Lowlights? Crashes? Injuries? Races where you bombed?
The biggest low I suffered would have been when I was diagnosed with acute glandular fever in Nov/Dec '05. This meant I couldn't train or race at all during the start of the MTB season. I was completely gutted knowing that as the MTB season progressed, I was not at my peak when the harder races came round.
Crashes - yes, we've all had those! In 2004, I tried my downhill skills at the Levin Nationals - I hit a jump at 40km/h, hit the dirt and was knocked out. Didn't make it to the finish line and needed help to get off the mountain. Took about a month to fully recover. On the upside though, I learnt from this experience that downhillers are a rare breed and I didn't fit that profile, so my first downhill race was also to be my last downhill race.
What ambitions do you have in the sport?
My immediate ambition is to make it into the NZ junior development squad. My ultimate ambition is to race overseas as part of the NZ team. The whole experience would be awesome - a dream come true!
Do you intend to train for any particular events or races in the future?
I'm really looking forward to doing the 2007 NZCT Mountain Bike National Series and National Champs in Jan/Feb '07. I have started a MTB orientated training programme in preparation for this with my first race being in Dunedin on 21 Jan '07.
How do your family feel about your sport of mountain biking?
The rest of my family, like myself, also enjoy the thrill of mountain biking. My Dad is a keen club member and races there on a regular basis. My parents are fully supportive and often travel with me around NZ, footing the bills as we go!
It is an expensive sport and very time consuming if you decide that you want to compete at a national level but it is also very satisfying, rewarding and lots of fun. Mum usually organises my entry into events, the travel, accommodation, meals etc while Dad helps with the maintenance of my bike and gear. They both enjoy watching me race and it is not unusual to see them standing for a couple of hours in the cold and wet so that they can catch a glimpse of me as I race past them. I could not train and compete at the level that I am if I did not have their support and assistance.
What is your sporting background? Any previous sports?
I have a passion for all sport. I enjoy participating in many sports and when I'm not in amongst it then I like to lax out and watch sport on the tele. I swam competitively for about 5 years when I was 8-13 years old. I was also heavily into soccer and softball during that time. At a more social level, I enjoy water skiing and wakeboarding.
Is MTB your only sport? What others if any?
For a couple of years, I only did Mountain Biking competitively but when I decided to get a bit more serious about it, I learnt that the training for mountain biking is done mostly on the road. Therefore, I am now a 'serious'(?) road cyclist also which leaves little time for anything else.
Any funny stories about MTB experiences?
There have been many funny moments on the track though none in particular stand out. It's just good to get out there with your mates and have some fun and a few laughs.
What do you think of the Pukete race series?
I think the Pukete race series is just awesome!!! It is always well organised and Pukete has a great track. The club is going from strength to strength with grades to suit all ages and levels of ability. I think that participating in this series is the best way to develop your racing and skills. The club caters for the social rider as well as for those who are more competitive, ranging from novice to expert. A big thanks to all those who give up their time willingly to make this possible - you are doing a great job!!!
Anything else you think might interest our club members and web site viewers?
I would encourage anybody who is interested in mountain biking to come along to the Pukete MTB club. You would be made to feel very welcome and it's a great night out! I'm always looking for people to ride with so don't hesitate to come and have a chat with me at the club sometime. Look foward to seeing you out there in 2007.
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