Rachael Archer, New Zealand’s best female Cross Country/Enduro rider ever stands 2nd Overall in America’s GNCC WXC class nearing half-way point of the 13 Round Series. Taking Opening Round win at Big Buck in February, Rachael clocked up another win at Round 3, The General, nailed 2nd’s at Rounds 2, 4 and 6 heading into Round 7- John Penton on May 23rd.
If results tell what counts on points table, Rachael’s take on the season so far is another matter. Sure, the can’t wait-to-race Kiwi rider enjoys moments of success on and off track, but the other side of Rach- always ticks off what needs to be improved and remains top of all important mental notes.
Rachael: ‘The season started off really well winning the Opening Round by nearly 2 minutes. After that we went to Florida which is where Becca had been training all winter so I knew I had my work cut out for that one. She beat me at that Round and then I got her back when we returned to the dirt in Georgia’.
‘Becca beat me at the next Round which was another sandy one and I decided to change my suspension because I thought I could be better. I did 2 days of suspension testing with Factory Connection on the roughest track ever and ended up making my new setting a bit too stiff for the next race’.
‘I felt like I couldn’t ride and made a lot of mistakes at the next race which ended in a 4th place and me, going home extremely frustrated. That whole week I tried every clicker adjustment possible in order to try make that suspension feel good- but it was worrying me way too much. So, I decided to go back to my original setting for this past weekend, because that’s the setting I know I can win on’.
If Rachael feels she needs to be hard on herself to do better- let’s remind the mere 19 year old just how far she has come in short space of time. #1 Rachael was at school in 2018, entered and raced couple of events overseas including 2 GNCC Rounds at end of season, then managed to gain race ride under America’s AmPro Yamaha for GNCC WXC season in 2019!
#2 In debut year, Rachael raced her first WXC season as Pro-rider gaining 7 podiums and finishing 4th Overall. #3 In 2nd season, full-time Pro rider, Rachael pushed her talent further than ever before, taking 9 podium finishes, which included 5 consecutive wins in Rounds 8-12, and finishing 2019 WXC season 2nd Overall.
#4 Rachael has taken bull by the horns to compete in America’s most prestigious Cross Country Series against class competitors who have 10 years experience racing GNCC tracks and format. Current WXC leader Becca Sheets began full-time WXC rider in 2012, Australia’s Taylor Jones, currently 3rd, joined full season in 2017, and long-time GNCC WXC rider Rachel Gutish, currently standing 4th has 9 years race experience to draw on.
Diving a bit deeper, expressions that speak on what it takes to race such a demanding sport only speak part of the truth- ‘you learn by making mistakes, you have to be in-it-to-win-it, and no pain no gain! Rachael knows all this- right from early age- what makes the born-to-ride-a-bike is the amazing energy to keep pushing her limits on and off the track.
Rachael: ‘I got 2nd this weekend, but I had a bit of bad luck getting slung off a cliff with a lapper and had to hard enduro my way out onto the race track. Becca has been in this for a long time, so she has a lot more experience on me. I’m still learning and trying to make the best decisions along the way’.
‘It’s definitely turning into a good season but I’m making it hard for myself with Becca getting away from me with the points lead. I think it’s time I started reeling her in because I really want that #1′.
Importantly, Rachael eyes success as part of the process of becoming a Champion. For Rach, victory comes through hard work, not giving in, being patient, staying focused on the prize no matter what happens outside a rider’s control.
Rachael: ‘Being successful takes consistency. I’m doing all I can to stay consistent. Yes, I made a mistake with my suspension and it cost me valuable points, but I still have time to win. And, I think everyone knows I’m the fastest one out there, I just need to prove it. I have the best Team, I’m on the best bike and that’s all key!’.
‘Since 2018, I have learnt a lot, but the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to enjoy myself. I used to put so much pressure on myself to be better, which put me in a bit of a hole mentally and I got physically burnt out half-way through 2019. Looking back now I can see why, because I was being impatient and wanted to be the best straight away without giving myself any credit that I was still a rookie and banging bars up front with some of the fastest girls in the world. These days, I still work hard, and strive to win, but I’m way more chilled out and I enjoy the process along the way’.
GNCC WXC Round 7 John Penton, May 23rd.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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