Rachael Archer heads into 2022 GNCC WXC Final Round Ironman on October 23-24 tied in points lead with Taylor Jones. To say Round 13 will test Rachael’s willpower, mental fortitude, and sheer resilience to win is not only understatement but also sends clear message that #650 will race to the final chequered flag no matter what odds are stacked on the points table.
For sure, Rachael has taken all highs, lows, success and disappointment that has come her way this season as par of the course – knowing that each and every experience strengthens her resolve to develop her racing career.
Equally, Rachael pushes herself outside her comfort zone when plans go astray, when obstacles challenge her desire for victory and when health takes precedence over her love for training to be the best on the bike.
Put in perspective, Rachael has absorbed all learning curves racing America’s Grand National Cross-Country Series, along with National Enduro Series to achieve professional and personal growth over past 4 seasons. From finishing 2019 GNCC WXC in 4th, to 2020 in 2nd, to 2021 in 2nd and currently tied in 1st, Rachael has gained all necessary mental, physical, and technical skills to realize her potential heading into Final Round in one week’s time.
And yes, results count! 5 wins, 10 podiums from 12 races, currently holding 176 points with Taylor, Rachael banks on all wisdom gained from the season to face the pressure cooker situation that lies ahead. Rachael shares her thoughts:
‘Yes it’s exciting to know this madness is gonna be over soon. I’ve been on the road racing every weekend for the last 6 weeks all over the east coast! This half of the season has definitely been my strong point this year considering I’m healthy now it’s much easier to click off wins.
I’ve been in Championship battles before so it’s nothing new but there’s still a lot of nerves because I want this title so bad. I know I’m the fastest, I just have to keep my head screwed on and my wheels on the ground! Last race I was on the ground way too much and it cost me the win, we won’t make that mistake again.
Personally I think this is a mental game more than anything and if I was to be the judge I’d say I’m more mental that anyone!! Haha. The fact that I haven’t got a GNCC Championship yet and I’ve got the most wins in WXC in the past 3 years goes to show who should be crowned in my book but at the end of the day it will come down to one race and I’ll be ready when the flag drops’.
GNCC WXC Round 13 Ironman October 23-24. Header photo: Rachael Archer Image: Ken Hill.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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