Junior cyclist puts pedal to the medal

BY KRIS DANDO

Gabriella Peach achieved record times and medals galore at the Wellington cycling champs and will soon test herself against the best in the country.

The Papakowhai 16-year-old comes from a family who spend a lot of time together on two wheels, but she has only been racing competitively for 12 months.

At the Wellington champs, held over a number of days due to the inclement weather, Peach picked up golds in the 2000 metre pursuit, match sprint and points race, along with silver in the 500m time trial and keirin (sprint race with a paced start) events.

She was racing in the under-19 age group, against more experienced riders  an indication of the natural talent she possesses.

Peach admits to being "shocked", in a good way, at how well she performed.

Staying focused was difficult as the champs were regularly interrupted, but father Craig, an accomplished cyclist, helped out.

"It's been hard to adjust my training around it but dad's been great.

"He gives up a lot of his time to help me and he's passing on that knowledge he has."

Peach enjoys the longer forms of competitive cycling, especially the 2000m pursuit, where she took a whopping seven seconds off the Wellington record at the champs.

"I'm not really a sprinter, I don't think I have the legs for it.

"I'm just loving trying everything though, and I like being part of the club [Port Nicholson Poneke Cycling Club], the people are great and everyone challenges each other."

Cycling may have to take a backseat during winter, however, with the onset of football season. Peach will take up her role in the centre of midfield for Aotea College's first XI girls' side, who are looking to take more big strides after a successful 2009, as well as for Porirua City United.

Prior to that will be the national cycling champs in Invercargill in March, where she will don the Wellington colours for the first time.

She says she is hoping to continue her imperious form in the deep south, but knows the going will be tough.
"It's going to be that one step higher, I know that, but I'm really excited.

"My goals are to get the most I can from the experience, I'll take it as it comes."

- Kapi-Mana News