A Universal Thank You

As 2011 draws to a close I wanted to take a minute to reflect on what a year it’s been… and most importantly to pay gratitude to a few important people who continue to support, guide and inspire me.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past… brings peace for today & creates vision for tomorrow “

Every moment, hour, day, week and year I get to spend following my dream – training, racing and pushing my body to its physical limits, physically maturing and mentally strengthening as an athlete… I am thankful.

Indeed 2011 was mildly tumultuous as my first season as a professional cyclist – an early season injury and sickness, limited race starts, an unfortunate rift in the team’s management and then a fractured pelvis putting me on a plane home to Australia.

However that’s not the way I want to remember 2011, those are merely rude punctuations!

The reality is that it was another wonderful year full of adventure, lessons, fruitful
relationships, hard work, and satisfying personal achievements…

I’m another year older and wiser as a cyclist and professional athlete and if I were to weigh all the feathers I’ve consciously taken to put in my cap from a multitude of experiences – I think I’d substantially tip the scales.

I am incredibly grateful to all those who have supported me throughout this year;

Team Diadora Pasta Zara and Directors Manel Lacambra and Diana Ziliute for the racing opportunity this year. I am fortunate to have worked with some world class women, Claudia
Haeusler, Shelley Olds and Amber Pierce, team mates to name a few, whom I will undoubtably miss in 2012.

Warren McDonald my faithful, inspiring and ever giving coach for sharing time and expertise throughout the European season.

Tim Decker and the South Australian Institute of Sport Cycling Program for the support in recent months. Kenneth Graham for all the sports science input – always willing to share the best physiology, travel and recovery advice. Tracey Gaudry great friend and mentor sharing many invaluable minutes of guidance and experience.

To all my sponsors;

SRM for the ever so satisfying look in the eye of truth during training! However not only for the equipment but for some enjoyable off the bike work and being part of my family in Europe.
Jurlique for the joy of a clean face after a long day on the bike!
2XU for clothing me and compressing my legs in times of fatigue
Endura Sports Nutrition for the replenishing goodness with great tasting training and recovery fuel
BikeExchange for the guidance, generosity and willing support
ATS Altitude for the ability to train (and suffer) in high places
Lezyne for making morning routine of pumping tyres a pleasure and puncture repairs bearable
Liza Emanuele elegantly frocking me up for spots of fun and life off the saddle
Brookfarm Macadamia Farm for the most amazing breakfasts and training snacks on the planet!
Complex Australia for the innovative recovery modality and getting my muscles firing and rapidly accelerating rehab
Berlei for the support in all the right places, dare I say more!
Aussie Butt Cream for a little essential and all natural protective love down under!
Fuji Bikes Australia for generously giving the me a bicycle to ride these past months after I sent the team edition back to Italia!