copping adversity on the chin
A story of the past two weeks.. from AIS, Canberra, Australia
This European cycling season has been a roller coaster ride of trials and tribulations.
I raced into the best results of my short career, 5 top ten finishes and 13th in a WC, and was named in the long list for the Aussie team to compete at the world championships. I am extremely proud and honour where I’ve progressed from, but indeed hungry for more.
In the midst of a swag of solid performances, world cup rides, regular national team starts I have had a little share of adversity.
Just two weeks ago, during a pre worlds Altitude training camp at Passo Stelvio, Italy, I sustained a high speed crash caused by a front wheel puncture at 65kph.. resulting in a broken mandible (lower jaw), head contusions and facial lacerations.
Hitting the deck from that speed is never going to end pretty, withstanding unfortunate circumstances, accepting that some things cannot be reasoned, I have put it into perspective. I am one lucky girl… to be talking, walking, hearing and seeing are the important things that I can feel thankful for.
I was immediately transferred to Innsbruck, Austria in the middle of the Alps to a hospital with world class maxillo-facial orthopedic care. I was operated on that night to fix the fracture with plates and screws.
The funny thing about adversity is that you cannot predict it, nor control it and you often cannot explain it, you can only learn and build from how you deal with it. Shortly after looking in the mirror for the first time I was gutted and questioned a lot of things – justice, luck, ruthlessness and quite naturally the brutal laws of physics!
The path that I have taken in getting to this level in cycling and thirst for more was thrown into the forefront of my mind and I quickly rearranged my thoughts positively and by day 5 post op was doing stair reps of the Innsbruck hospital, admiring the 1976 Olympic Ski Jump at each level I ascended! READ MORE
La Route de France – Stage 3 & TT
Stage 3 and the TT
A bit o bad luck but that’s racing. Now the race is all about riding for the overall team GC result. Taking what ever role i’m given and doing it to the best of my ability. Feeling surprisingly good given that I had a nice bruise on my hip and a fair bit of skin off from a crash the day before, I started Stage 3 in good spirits. The race set off easily enough but it wasn’t too long before the pace lifted and once 30 km had passed the it was game on…. READ MORE
Passion, Performance and Powermeters – Aussie Cycling powers forward
I recently decided to look at exactly what has made Aussie cycling power forward onto a world stage steadily in the past few years. I discovered it has come about by passion, performance and powermeters…
Check out my latest article on the SRM website 
http://www.srm.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=568&catid=117&Itemid=503&lang=en
Tour of Limousin
Our Aussie National team had a a fantastic race with Ruth Corset 2nd on GC, 1st teams Classification, and a final day stage win with Carlee Taylor.
We didn’t win overall GC but were mighty close and did everything we could to try, just beaten by a marginally better team on the final day. Each of the the girls rode their legs off in a brilliant team effort each day. I think the next time we are in a position to win a race such as Limousin we will be more experienced because of this years race.
Personally i was very happy with my form first race back after my crash and completing my role working for the team result. I finished 7th in the TT which i was very happy with also!
Pics here;
http://www.rachelneylan.com/category/gallery/
Aussie Cycling Team Remember Amy
The 18th of July was the 5 year anniversary of Amy Gillett
http://www.amygillett.org.au/australian-women-s-cycling-team-rememember-amy
http://www.amygillett.org.au/message-from-amy-s-parents-on-the-5th-anniversary
Being an AGF scholarship holder means more than just opportunity. It is about being part of Amy’s legacy which is an absolute honour.
Five years on this legacy is ever so strong..
The work of the AGF, carrying forward Amy’s evidant dedication, spirit and enthusiasm – is essentially saving lives on our roads every day.
One more special fact is that there are many young Australian women inspired in sport by Amy’s life to live out her dreams.. I am proud to say I am one of them.
Last week on 5 the year anniversary, I was with the Australian Women’s Cycling Team, we remembered Amy wtih a tranquil training ride around Varese, Italy.
Following this we raced in France at the Tour of Limousin, wearing pink arm bands – for admiration, respect and memory of Amy.
I had the absolute pleasure of exchanging some lovely words with Mary and Denis Safe last week who I am most inspired and by their positive and peaceful disposition. My thoughts are very much with the Safe family and Friends, Simon Gillett, the Amy Gillett Foundation at this time.
I never knew Amy but wished I did – as my racing season progresses well here in Europe and on this anniversary I am ever so greatful of being part of the AGF family.
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