Cam Wright gives us a brief summary of his experience over the past three months in Europe and expresses how grateful he is to the RATS Cycling Club for their ongoing support.
I had a great time overseas where I had my first race in Kirchberg, Austria, my first taste of European racing. The course really suited me, and I dialed in the track during practice, however jumping off the plane just under a week before the race, I knew I was in for a tough one. After a silly crash I still managed to finish off strong in 3rd place, not far behind 2nd.
I then headed to Livigno, Italy for a month of altitude training with the Mitchelton Bike Exchange Under 23 Road Cycling Team which was a great experience. Livigno is at 1850m altitude & I was training on average above 2000m which I knew would prepare me better than training & racing at sea level. Before settling into Livigno we did a quick trip for 3 days to Lenzerheide to get familiar with the World Champs track before returning to Livigno for a month of solid training. I did a few rides with the Mitchelton u23 road team to gain as much advantage as possible that I would need for World Champs where I would race at 1450m above sea level. Four weeks later I headed back To Lenzerheide for a week to really dial the World Champs course in, practice all different lines in the technical sections and adapt to the weather variations. I left feeling very confident with all the potential race lines and with any weather conditions that I could expect on race day.
World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland was definitely one to remember! After a lot of practice and preparation for the race I was happy with my form leading into the final race of the season. First off was the team relay where I started as No 1 rider for Australia with some high ranked Elite riders. I was happy with my ride to handover in 11th position to Dan McConnell, who then handed over to Reece Tucknott. Reece managed to cut through the competition to hand over in 1st which we held for the next 2 laps and ended off in 12 place overall – so proud!
My junior race went according to plan and I felt strong. With a great start I held the lead to the top of the first hill where a few guys managed to get past me in the track and I was lying about 10th. I started to pick the pace up a little more to catch up into the top 3 and moved up to 4th. The climbing was relentless which started taking its toll the last 3 laps of 6 and had a few guys pass me on the last 2 laps. I am super stoked to finish off strong in 6th place as the first Australian and non-European rider!
I now have a few weeks break before I start up my training for next year when I move up to under 23 age category. This will be a big year for me as a first year u23 rider as I always strive to be at the top. My goal for the year is to consistently finish in the top ten in the World Cup racing in Europe and USA and aim for the podium finish at the 2019 World Champs being held in Mont Saint Anne, Canada.
My most important goal for the next two years is to be selected to represent Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
I fly to Arkansas, USA 7- 14th October to compete in the RedBull Pump track champs, then home for 1 day and fly to WA 15th October to compete in the Cape to Cape.
The following weekend of 27/28 October I am competing in an QRTS road race and thereafter will have some Sundays free, and hope to schedule a ride with RATS Juniors and club members out at Underwood or Daisy Hill.
Keep an eye on Cam’s Facebook and Instagram for ongoing updates on his progress in under 23.