Auckland Champs Round 1

This was the first round of the Auckland Champs at the recently built Sanders reserve. There has been a lot of hard work put into getting events at this venue so Race 1 of the Auckland champs was looking to make a good impression. I was once again racing in Under 17's as a 14 year old, so this was set to be an interesting race, with over 30 contestants from around the Auckland region showing up to race. The course at Sanders was a combination of tight corners and steep climbs, really designed to test a racers fitness. There were a few cases of racers getting lost, but as this was Sanders first race this was to be expected, and otherwise the race ran smoothly. Age groups were sent off in individual waves with a minute between, with the most fiercely competed category being under 17 men, who had to complete a total of 3 laps of the course. Under 15 men had to complete 2 laps, a trend shared by under 17 women, while under 19 men had to complete a gruelling 4 laps. Racing in Under 17s was a hotly contested affair, with positions changing if you so much as blinked. In the end I finished a credible 9th place, (once again 1st in full sus trail bike). I will post results of category winners as soon as I get hold of them. Over all the race at Sanders favoured riders who could climb like a prodded Mountain Goat and turn like the hands on a clock, traits that I am sure are reflected in the winners. I look towards the development of racing in Sanders with interest...  

Oceanias 2012

What a way to start this years racing off. Oceanias this year was in Rotorua New Zealand, convenient as it is only a few hours south of where I live. Lining up on the start line I have been asked many times by different friends and fellow racers how nervous I was feeling, and the response has been the same to all of them; not nervous at all. As a 14 year old racing in under 17's I know i'm not going to win, so having fun along the way is just as important as trying your hardest. And what a race this turned out to be.

Thankfully my category had been explicitly banned from riding the brand new 'Rock garden' which had already taken it's fair share of now injured riders over the past few weeks. the course had it's fair share of sharp climbs, tight technical downhill and open gravel road climbs to test each riders fitness and ability.

In the end after a hard fought race I finished a credible 13th out of 21, although I did come first in "under 17's full suspension trailbike" category..... overall though it was great to see so many people out there racing as well as my fellow JAFAKIDS riders and congratulations to everyone who raced, no matter where you came. I am looking forward to next year, hopefully for an assault at top 10, or maybe even a podium.... who knows what the future will bring.

Welcome to Turning Pages.

This blog will serve to record and publish my journey as a Cross Country Mountain Bike racer throughout the upcoming year and onwards. I'm looking forward to a great year of racing and hope you enjoy reading about it...