Rachael Archer shares her thoughts on racing ISDE Women’s World Trophy finishing Individual in P2 on debut entry. A remarkable achievement on record with Rachael completing the International Six Days Enduro race in P3, P2, P3, P2, P2, and P2 over 6 special tests per day.
Such consistency of results confirms Rachael’s ability to adapt to race situations given the long days on the bike – producing 6 specials test times over 2 loops from Day 1 through to Day 5 with a Motocross race on Day 6. Most certainly, the lap times were close amongst the top tier of rider’s, with Rachael narrowing the gap to 8.62 seconds in the race on Day 6.
From the Opening Ceremony to the final flag, Racheal bouyed Team New Zealand’s rider line-up of Kylie Dorr, and Taylar Rampton to push through all challenges presented, knowing her die-hard attitude of never-give-up has been Rachael’s moto since way back, growing up on the family farm in NZ. For certain, these years, of learning bike skills riding up-grassy-hills, down slippery tracks, through forest trails, and over anything that appears in the way has formed Rachael’s mental and physical stamina to tackle such a race as ISDE WWT.
And, the adjustment and adaptability to race 6 days on tracks cut up due to rain, can not be under-estimated given Rachael has spent the past 6 seasons racing America’s GNCC WXC Championship. Following a long-time goal of racing the 13 Round Series, Rachael put all focus and concentration in gaining knowledge, experience, and race-craft to edge her way up the table board standings – winning the Title in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
All of which makes racing ISDE Women’s World Trophy a case of perfect timing in her racing career. With loads of capabilities on the bike racing on varying terrain under time, Rachael pushed her potential up a notch, producing P2 result and opened a pathway to race a new discipline.
Rachael: ”It was tough competing on a stock bike when I’m used to racing my USA bikes. I learnt a lot over the 6 days and it was a great way for me to hone in on some things I’ve been struggling with on the bike lately and really focus on fixing them to be better. The trails were epic and I have seen some awesome scenery and country side. I’m definitely stoked with how my first ISDE went and I’ll be back next year with a bucket load of experience and ready to win!”
Hardly surprising, Rachael’s passion to race and stand top of the podium remains her real calling. From nurturing that fire inside riding on the back hills of her family’s farm in NZ, to racing and winning in the competitive GNCC WXC category, to proving her talent goes much further – taking P2 in ISDE WWT 2024 – the next chapter for Rachael will be as exciting as the first.
Header photo: Rachael Archer racing ISDE WWT 2024 Images: Team and @enduro.bureau.official Graphics: MXLink
Words: Sharon Cox.
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