Whatever the results, we’re always stoked to see our athletes performing at the top of their field and with the recent UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Cambridge, it was exciting to see team member Katie Schofield given the opportunity to represent NZ in front of a home crowd. Read on to hear her account of the event…

To have a world class event on your home track is something I will never forget. It was thrilling to compete in front of friends, family and the local Waikato crowd. Cambridge held the second track cycling world cup for the 2015/2016 season, and it was a fantastic event. Thank you to all the volunteers, officials, athletes, and the crowd for making this event a positive experience for all.

I was selected to compete in the team sprint, which was held on the first night of racing. Unfortunately this wasn’t broadcasted on SKY, however the rest of the event was televised so even through some could not attend, they were able to catch up on all the action in their own homes.

Race day approached and I was feeling confident and ready. I knew I had posted some good times in training and my numbers (power) were up the week before. It was all tracking to a good performance. I couldn’t wait!! My parents had arrived from their trip around Spain (with my brother and his new fiance), and my Grandma from Taupo, the day before. It was such a good feeling to know they were there seeing me in action in a big event.

Once we (team mate Tarsh and I) walked up the stairs and on to the apron of the velodrome, the crowd cheered and roared. What an uplifting feeling! It gave me an extra boost for sure. Come the count down and the start of the race, it all finished too soon! My start was strong, however there are some technical work-ons still to master, I felt strong throughout my section of the race. We finished and it was great to have clapping and cheers right around the whole track.

The debrief:
We got 8th place overall. It was a position that were were not that happy with. We both felt we could have gone much faster. For my lap, I was pretty disappointed with my time to be honest. I know there is more there, and I can go much faster! I am sure it will all click eventually.

I would like to say a huge thank you to the people behind the scenes: coaches and staff at Cycling NZ and HPSNZ, my supporters Torpedo7for being great at sorting out shoes and a new road bike ASAP!, Purebread for their organically grown sustainable energy food to keep me riding strong, Steve Joe for keeping the body in top shape, Aspen Manor Motel for their wonderful support and encouragement, and Cobb Cycles for keeping the tush happy while able to keep the power on! And of course those dearest to me – family and friends for your messages, snaps, calls of support!

The next phase is to get back into a good block of training before Christmas and New Year celebrations kick off. Sadly I won’t be back in Dunedin as it is a quick turn around between World Cups. I am aiming to make selection for the next World Cup selection which is the last one of this series, held in Hong Kong in January. It will be my first Christmas with being with family – I am so glad there is SKYPE!

Enjoy the festive season! Be safe, be merry and eat CAKE!

Bye for now,

Kt

To hear more from Katie, visit her blog or her Facebook page