About

Life Pre Pedaling

Day to day life more often involved lacing up a pair of running shoes, or rehabilitating an ACL. How quickly things change once a decision is made!
I have always been a passionate athlete, starting out at Ryde little Athletics Club in Sydney at the age of eight.
Even though active in many sports through high school, determination to excel in sport saw me sticking to a love of hurdling, winning numerous state medals in until the age of 22, however competitiveness at a national level was just not enough.
Full time university for four years (completing a Physiotherapy degree in 2003) and establishing my Sports Physiotherapy career was always a parallel priority to my athletic goals.
On the search to find a sport that would provide a better return for investment, i took up rowing as a lightweight at Mosman Rowing Club in 2005. It was here that i likened to endurance training / competition and more importantly, bought my first road bike for cross training.

The Turning Point

The decision came about on a trip as Sports Physiotherapist for the Australian Rowing Team in 2007. I had a taste for National team involvement and wearing green and gold, however was not happy being on the other side of the fence.
Following this European work trip, and after a few pivotal conversations with some AIS staff, athletes (and a few days to ponder on things while holidaying in the Swiss mountains) it finally sunk in that my ambition to succeed in cycling was going to override all.
A phone call to Dr Tammie Ebert at the National Talent Identification Program closely followed my return to Australia In August 2007. One month later I was invited to join the NTID cycling development program at the South Australian Sports Institute. Another month later I was residing in Adelaide and had begun life as I now know as an elite cyclist.

Starting a Cycling Career

The rookie international season happened early in 2009 with an invitation to ride with the Californian based “Proman Women’s Cycling Team”. During May-July I raced in 7 States in 7 weeks – I was quick to learn and eager for the challenges. Podiums were a regular occurrence for my team mate Shelley Olds as i learned how to become a reliable and relentless working domestique… this was my unforgettable introduction to international competition.
Six weeks turns into 4 months quite easily when the doors keep opening… I kept asking why and was answered wisely by a great friend met in the USA who was quick to remind me that;

“the harder you work the luckier you get”.

I boldly flew to Italy in hope of continuing the season in Europe where at 3 weeks notice was given the opportunity to race as a guest rider with the National team in Germany. The hard work + luck equation continued to be proven and i secured guest rides in Holland and Italy then went on to race the Nuremberg World Cup as an Australian Team member.

The Future

I am excited about what lies ahead with the opportunity to continue my development as a professional cyclist having secured my first european team contract. In 2010 i will be based in Lucca, Tuscany racing for Team System Data, professional Italian Women’s Cycling Team.
I will race again in the Green and Gold with the National Team for the Spring Classics in Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg during April / May.
Competing on the UCI professional circuit will give me the optimal development pathway forward and ultimately toward my 2010 goals – selection for the World Championships & Commonwealth Games.

Some Great Influences Along the Way

Progressions don’t occur in an athlete’s life without passion from coaches, instrumentation by sports science professionals, support form sponsors and encouragement, love and care form family and friends. Part of the satisfaction of being an athlete is sharing the journey with others. I enjoy engaging with people who are willing to come with me for the ride. I am very happy to be able to recognise how my pathway thus far has involved so many influential people…

Tim Decker – Current coach, a person who has got the best out of me so far, now i’m learning to race like a winner.
Gary West – Former SASI Cycling Coach through the rookie year, taught me how to suffer on the ergo and believe in an ambition.
David Misson – First athletics coach, where I was first inspired toward green & gold and learned about being an athlete.
Fira Dvoskina – Hurdles coach for 5 years (Former Ukraine head coach) where i learned the true essentials of discipline.
Nick Garratt – Former rowing coach and truly inspiring person who helped me transfer from speed to endurance.
Dr Tammie Ebert – NTID program coordinator / Sports Scientist, responsible for supporting the transition.
Peter Giessauf – First bike Sponsorship (International Cycles, Adelaide) terrific friend and supporter from the start.
Kenneth Graham – NSWIS Sports Scientist, great friend and mentor.
Nicola Cranmer – Manager Proman Women’s Cycling team, who gave me my first international racing opportunity.
Julia Violich and John Mecklenberg – My San Anselmo (NorCal) family, amazingly generous and inspiring people.
Susan and Tony Neylan – The most supportive generous loving and empowering people i know.
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