Rachael Archer gained awesome result at GNCC WXC Round 7 at Tomahawk, Alpine in NY finishing 3rd on podium putting the NZ’der 4th in Overall Championship standings.
Not only has Rachael achieved 3 podiums in America’s prestigous Grand National Cross-Country Series, but has also made significant head-way on stamping her mark to be real contender for WXC Championship Title, in debut year.
Finishing Rounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 8th, 5th, 4th and 4th, the young, determined 17 year old made positive moves upwards in points finishing 3rd at Round 5: X-Factor, 3rd Round 6: John Penton and 3rd at Round 7: Tomahawk at the weekend.
As Rachael says: ‘I came into Tomahawk GNCC with an open mind knowing that the tough conditions would be well suited to my riding style. However I still knew it could be anyone’s game in all that mud’.
‘I got off to an average start but put my head down and got to work, picking my way through the pack. I eventually caught up to Mackenzie Tricker by the end of lap 1. It was from here on in Mackenzie and I battled it out for 3rd up until the last lap where she took a hard hit and I was able to pull away snatching 3rd place once again’.
Having taken on all learning curves from racing GNCC WXC Rounds 1-7 along with National Enduro Women’s Championship, Rachael has proved that a young, female Kiwi, racing a few, selected International Cross-Country/Enduro races over past few years can succeed with all-out committed mind-set.
In fact, it was only a year ago, when we filmed Rachael at her home at Ngaroma, NZ #650 gave glimpse on what her goals were for the future- no holds barred. There had been definite plan in place, together with Dad- Kevin, and Mum-Lynn, decisions on where to race, against who, and when had been carefully put into practice.
Making the transition from racing, training in NZ, and not to forget Racheal was still at school 7 months ago, the oh-so-grounded Archer tells it like it is.
#650: ‘Since being here 5 1/2 months now I am definitely a lot more comfortable going into the races. I know what to expect and I know what I’m capable of’.
‘Behind the scenes there is a ton of hard work put in, not only by me but the mechanics and the rest of the Team. It sure looks glorious when you’re on the podium but the only way of getting there is working your butt off when no one is watching. It sure does take a lot of self discipline and perseverance when things don’t go to plan! But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love racing!’
Having gained race-Team ride under AmPro Yamaha based in South Carolina, Rachael gives acknowledgement and appreciation to all those helping and supporting her- from mechanics, to Team crew, to gym trainer, to friends eager to help out where they can, and to family back home. With couple of races before Summer break, Rachael will then return to NZ, catch-up with family before heading back to compete rest of GNCC WXC Series.
Most certainly, Rachael’s best attribute is her down-to-earth character which rings ‘never stop what you love doing even when it’s tough’. Such die-hard personality, as Mum and Dad will agree, has always been there- right from little girl. As Rachael told the story- at about 3 years of age, she decided to go pig hunting- so packed her knapsack of cheese and salami tagged on to end of stick, and set-off into yonder. Mum was horrifed- but for Rachael- it was just what she wanted to do!
And Rachael remains thank-ful for being able to learn, hone, make the best possible use of her skills on the bike, training, practicing and racing back home in NZ. Certainly, made great preparation for where she is today.
#53: ‘The last 4 races have been muddy which has compared nicely to NZ. 2 have been in sand and 1 race near the beginning of the year had no rain before-hand. We are extremely lucky in NZ to have such a big variety of terrain. There hasn’t been a race here that I haven’t been able to compare to home!’
This film edit is on Rachael, after she gained 3rd podium at WXC Tomahawk Round 7 at the weekend. The vision isn’t great, nor is the audio as we filmed off phone and recorded on laptop. However, it was awesome to catch-up and speak with Rachael in person.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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