The sweetness of desire, relief, pride,
exhaustion; It’s hard to put into words just what it felt like to Win the
Mountain Bike World Championships on Saturday in Hafjell, Norway.
I often get asked what race victory is
sweetest and I think I now have a clear answer, Worlds 2014. Every victory, be it your first World cup
top-20 or a win at any level is sweet, the reward & validation of your
efforts; but this win was 2 years in the making. After a heartbreaking ride in London, It was
a 2-year process for me to return to the rider I am capable of being.
In the beginning of my career, winning was
easier. Not because the competition was weaker, but because I didn’t know
better. I didn’t have to get results, I
just had to do my best and I always wanted to give my best. I loved it. It was
fun. I raced with desire, confidence & belief.
Sometimes the key ingredient of success is
the thing we do unconsciously. Loving
doing something so much that it does not feel like sacrifice or work, it is
life, the life we choose.
With success comes the expectation of
success and with that somehow we warp our minds into thinking that Success is a
stress, a weight on our shoulders, something that requires more seriousness. We can lose that sparkle, that central puzzle
piece that connected all the other pieces. Before the race my confidence went
through ebbs and flows, but by race day I was ready for battle, Ready to
embrace the challenge and ready to do a race I would be proud of no matter what
the finishing position.
Crossing the line as World Champion in 2011
was exciting, being able to repeat it 2014, knowing where to look for that
missing puzzle piece so that by race day everything fit together flawlessly was
an even bigger accomplishment.
Wearing the rainbow stripes is an honour I
embrace. I will continue to have great days and days where I make mistakes, but
I will always give you my best on each day.
I look forward to having fun wearing and
racing in the rainbow stripes everyday of next year!
There are so many people that made this
ride & my career possible.
 |
| My husband Keith, key to keeping mtn biking fun and my head on straight and life in balance |
 |
| Waldek and Dusty from Luna who were in the pits to save my race with the fastest, most quietly confident wheel change ever. Staff cannot win a World Championship, but without the professional competence of these two it most certainly could have been lost. |
 |
| Dan Proulx, who coached me for 11 years and now mentors me as I coach myself |
 |
| Mom and Dad, who travelled to Norway because they still just love watching their little girl race. |
 |
| My mother and father-in law Sues and Grainger for cat sitting for 2 months so that Keith could travel with me! |
Luna; the team with the vision to give
women, just like out male counterparts the opportunity to support themselves
and race professionally on mtn bikes
My teammates on both Luna and team Canada,
especially Maghs and Sandra, for believing and dreaming with me and inspiring
me with their own riding and attitude. I
feel so lucky to spend my life surrounded by great people!
So Thank you Thank you Thank you Family,
Friends fans and Sponsors. You are the
best!
Take a lap with Claudio Caluori and Jose
Hermida http://www.redbull.com/uk/en/bike/stories/1331676705162/uci-2014-world-champs-cross-country-track-preview-with-claudio-caluori
Watch the whole race here
http://www.redbull.com/us/en/bike/stories/1331674775352/replay-uci-world-championships-women%E2%80%99s-xco
Comments