To think that I left New Zealand nearly seven months ago blows my mind. It’s been a pretty crazy experience so far and it has definitely had its ups and downs.
The trip started when I was in Cambridge, and I had just found out I was made a reserve for the 2020 Olympic Games. Of course, this was a huge blow in my career. My motivation was low, and I knew something needed to change because I just wasn’t happy and the thought of being on the track another four years to Paris… Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything worse at that point.
After conversations with Cycling New Zealand coaches and High Performance Director, I made the decision to leave the track for a while and begin a new chapter on the road. Keeping in mind I still want to do track! Let’s just call it a break. I wanted to get fitter and stronger after many disappointing races in the Madison, where I lacked the endurance needed. I also wanted to grow as a person in my personal life and start taking control of my future more.
Lucky for me I have a boyfriend in Portugal, and I would be lying if I said this didn’t influence me to head to Europe. I was lucky enough to live with him while I went in and out of some races hoping to make an impression on a team for the 2021 season.
It was around this time that I also had to say goodbye to Alex Greenfield my coach at the time. Who was also heading in a different direction in her career. This was really hard as she had helped me so much over the past couple years and it felt like things weren’t going my way, but I believe everything happens for a reason and I was very grateful to have come across Patrick and Tammy Harvey who have coached some amazing athletes into the world tour scene. So, I was pretty excited to come on board with them coming into the end of 2020.
I also got picked up by an Italian team, BePink that would give me the opportunity to race this year on the road in some big races. Things started to fall into place, and I felt on track again in my career.
When things seemed to be taking a look upwards, I caught COVID-19, which thankfully I didn’t get horrible symptoms. It was three weeks of forced time off the bike at home. Which I actually saw the positive of as I got to spend some real quality time with my boyfriend who had also tested positive.
I have absolutely no regrets so far and I’ve been loving my training and racing. I have made some massive improvements already and the year has only just begun. I just did my first race last weekend and I’ve always classed myself as a sprinter that can’t climb but after this race, I was pretty stoked to see how much easier it was for me to stay with the top girls up the climbs. I know there is more to come and I’m excited to really get amongst the action at Strade Bianche this weekend. I know it will take me time to learn the ropes of European racing, but I know with patience and consistency I will slowly start to get the hang of it.
Every decision that was really hard to make seemed to be the most rewarding I have made, and I am proud of where I have come as an athlete and a person. I just want to keep learning and give this year my best shot and take any opportunity that presents itself. I’m loving my new journey and I can’t wait to share it and hopefully inspire others along the way.
