Rachael Archer’s phenomenal battle for 2021 Grand National Cross Country WXC Championship deserves respect, recognition and admiration from all eyes watching. The 19 year old New Zealander has achieved remarkable results in only 3rd full-season taking 5 wins and 10 podiums in see-saw pitch for Championship Title with 2 Rounds remaining.
Such accolades have been hard won and by no means easy feat given Rachael set long term goal of racing professionally in America while growing up on family farm in NZ. Even all time spent at boarding school was reminder that hard work training on back blocks of farm, developing physical endurance to put in full days work with Dad- Kevin- and to enjoy Mum- Lynn’s awesome cooking- acted as motivator to achieve racing career goals in not too distant future.
To leave comfort of home, take up racing under American AmPro Yamaha Team, and adjust to learn and race GNCC tracks remained big ask for anyone. For sure, finishing 2nd in 2020 WXC was part of the journey to fulfill career goals- to stand within 2 points in 2021 WXC Championship at Round 11 speaks volumes on how determined the Kiwi is to win.
So how does Rachael do it? How does a female rider compete on the world stage amidst such changing economic times with COVID 19 disrupting all plans, events, funding and sponsor backing. Success certainly lies in Rachael’s character to push through disappointments, to enjoy the moments of glory without losing sight of what is important. ‘Eyes on the prize’ would be decent butt-patch for Rach.
From knowing Rachael for best part of 4 years, one fact stands out on what sets Archer apart from many. Her sheer belief in ‘this is what I am going to do- and this is how I will do it’. Whether such strength of character is seen on and off track, in day-to-day life of training, or making valuable re-assessments of where improvements are to be made- such mind-set grounds Rachael for achieving bottom line of success.
Final 2 WXC Rounds – Buckwheat on October 9th and Ironman, October 23 will be Title decider. Does Rachael Archer have what it takes to win? Most definitely!
Words: Sharon Cox.
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