The time of year has once
again come where the battle for best cyclocrosser in New Zealand is fought, AKA
CX nationals. This year it was down in the ever warm Dunedin which comes hand
in hand with a long roadie. With the excessive sounding four bikes for two
people racing we were off and down south we went.
Cyclocross is a
special sport, the easiest way to describe it is ‘riding around on muddy
paddocks on a bike that looks like a road bike but isn’t.’ Despite what it
might sound it is definitely one of the best codes in cycling!
The race started with
the excitement of being called up to the front as I raced at nationals last
year, and the nervous excitement stayed for the first few laps. With Shannon
Hope also in my grade I was keen to race to my max- which I reckon I did. Even
though the weather was super warm at roughly 2 degrees with the occasional snow
shower I still managed to charge- and ended up winning! The guys at Cycle World
ran an epic race with a really nice course with a lot of variety in surface.
 |
| The epic looking trophy and awesome Huttcross cap! |
The other Wellington
riders did pretty well too! With my fab brother Jonny placing 3rd in
U19 men with a stunner of a race. Brendan Sharratt placed 3rd in
open men despite his derailleur snapping on the last lap. Peg Leyland also
podium in her grade. Dean Johansson also did a really strong race!
This year’s journey
to nationals wasn’t quite as last minute as last year and it wouldn’t have
happened without some amazing people supporting me. First up is Dad and his
amazing work in the pits and driving me down to Dunedin and back- I really
couldn’t have raced without him! Second up is MUD Cycles who did the last
minute bike check the day before we left Wellington, the guys in that shop do
an amazing job of looking after me and my bikes! Also there are the amazing
organisers of Hüttcross who supported me going to nationals and they run an
awesome series to train/ race in! Also Avanti Plus Kapiti let me borrow one of
their hire Cyclocross bikes to use as a back. Nationals
this year was an amazing experience and I can’t wait for Hüttcross next week!
