It is incredibly exciting to share the news that along with my pilot Maddi we have officially been selected for the Australian Para-Cycling team bound for the UCI World Championships to be held in Italy this March 17-20.
Having decided to take up cycling for the first time in September 2014, it has been a fantastic journey and one that has been enjoyable every minute. Along the way I have been incredibly fortunate to make a lot of new friends who have helped me make the Aussie team. As we enter a new year, I reflect back over the period since September 2014 and know that without their friendship, support and guidance, the transition to cycling would not have been as quick or successful as it has been and I would like to acknowledge a few of them.
To John, Gary and the Beasley Cycles crew. From day one you have all helped me, given me advice whether it be learning to ride a bike safely by myself to laughing with me when I didnβt see a footpath turn a corner consequently leaving me riding onto the beach getting myself bogged in the sand (thanks for cleaning the sand off my bike too) to helping me have a custom tandem built. How lucky am I that after years of walking past the store I finally went in and found some new friends who happen to know a little bit about cycling. π
To the beautiful Jessica Allen, my first pilot. Thank you for teaching me how to ride a tandem and starting this journey with me. Iβm sorry I wasnβt able to turn myself into an enduro trackie or roadie like you! Iβm so excited to watch your career progress and the amazing things youβll achieve on and off the bike.
To my coach, for spotting me in the gym lifting weights and asking if Iβd like to try the tandemβ¦ I think it worked out ok! Thank you for introducing me to this sport and giving me the skills and knowledge to progress to my first Aussie selection.
To Marty at Elite Sports Performance. Thank you for transforming my body into a track cyclistβs. Your passion for strength and conditioning and your athletes is contagious and I love walking into the gym every day knowing you will teach me something I never knew.
And finally to Maddi. My sincerest appreciation for taking a chance on an opportunity with me, for re-locating to Melbourne and believing in our dream to represent Australia in Rio. For putting in the hard work, the sacrifices and challenges that come when embarking on achieving something magical. Iβm so excited for what 2016 will bring and the journey we will share together.
There are many more people I could thank, family, friends, sponsors and supporters. So many people have helped me along the way, and I canβt wait to share the future as a cyclist this year with you all!
Here’s to many hours on the bike and many more laughs to go along with it!
Jess
