Rachael Archer shares her thoughts on racing GNCC WXC with all the highs, lows and in between moments which keep the 19 year old motivated to win. Nailing an impressive 7 podiums from 9 Rounds, including 3 wins, Rachael heads into the final 4 Rounds determined to fight all the way to the chequered flag.
Yes, WXC points are close with only 9 separating the top 3: Taylor Jones on 211, Korie Steede on 209 and Rachael on 202. Pressure to perform will be #1, yet remarkably Rachael will be more than equipped to deal with expectation given what the Kiwi has endured this season.
Contracting Epstein Barr virus has had huge impact on Rachael’s health, not just in physical terms, but also managing the change from not going 100% full throttle to maintaining steady heart-rate on bike. The adjustment has been steep learning curve as Rachel has only ever known one speed – full on – and she pushes herself to do more – even when the norm would be to quit.
All of which brings home the fact that racing requires far more than mere talent on the bike. Planning how to execute race strategies requires balancing physical capabilities with maintaining healthy body, along with supportive Team to deliver insight on which is best line to take, where passing can occur, when to pit, when to push, through-out grueling 2 hour race.
For sure, Rachael admits 2022 GNC season has not gone to plan. Winning the Opening Rounds at Big, Buck and Wild Boar, followed by 2nd at The General were precursor to standing top of table board for the rest of the season. But, 10th at Round 4 sent cruel blow to the ultra determined rider, placing the need to work on improving her health over the need to bust out everything on track. Rachael shares her thoughts:
Rachael: ‘Yes it’s going to come down to the wire for sure and like every year I will make sure to put myself in the best position possible to win the championship. This year I have had to adapt and change everything I do on and off the bike to cope with Epstein Barr flare ups.
In the past I’ve had a reputation to train like an animal but my body can’t cope with all that physical stress these days so I still train hard but I’m more aware of training in certain heart rate zones and taking adequate recovery time, also implementing recovery tools such as ice baths, sauna, and quality supplements’.
For sure a great morale boost was having family track-side after nearly 2 years of not going home, with Dad, Kevin racing Vets at GNCC Round 9 at Snowshoe. ‘It was really great to see my parents however I would have won Snowshoe either way, not to sound cocky but I rode that race really well and when I’m on my A game I think it’s pretty hard to beat someone as mentally strong as myself’.
‘I’ve grown a lot as a rider and these days is all about structure. Every time I’m on the bike now I’m working on my weaknesses, I’ve been riding a lot more motocross to work on my sprint speed. I have a great team around me and it definitely boosts your confidence when you know you have at least 10 people on the race track that are there just to help you!
I’m not gonna lie, dealing with this virus has been a roller coaster not only physically but mentally and emotionally too. It is hard to put into words how it effects you. I’ve always been a happy, bubbly person and being that sick and feeling like absolute crap all the time can really effect your emotions for sure, but luckily I’ve been working with a great naturopath and feel confident I have it under control now. This year didn’t go to plan at all , I started off strong and then dropped off as I got sick, I’m ready to reign it back in and finally get that #1 plate!’
GNCC WXC Round10 The Mountaineer on September 11-12. Header photo Rachael Image: @kenhill127
Words: Sharon Cox.
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