02 Nov Rylee Road Captain with Big Plans For 2019
Re-signing Rylee was a big part of our plans for 2019, with her time trialing strengths, her ability to sit on the front, lead out or finish a sprint and with the guts to go solo is what every team dreams of having and more. Rylee’s strong performances at the Age Group Championships with 2 silver medals and her recent success on the boards and the Calder Stewart series shows Rylee is on the rise and looking great heading into 2019.
With loads of experience for someone new to the sport with racing in Australia, US and Europe, Rylee has always impressed with her desire to improve and eagerness to work on her weaknesses. Rylee is a born leader and as her racing experiences have grown and her riding developed so has her ability to lead from the front. We have always looked to have a road captain that brings level headed decision making to the team and that can make calls for the better of the team, which have become evident in the last few races of the season.
Manager Patrick Harvey was very impressed with the last race of the Calder Stewart series where Rylee was a major influence on executing a near perfect race for the team riding as Road Captain. “Rylee took on this role with enthusiasm and helped create a cohesive plan for the team where all the riders where on the same page with a single purpose and clear roles. She made clear and fast decisions as the race involved ending in a great result for the team.”
Patrick also points out how results don’t necessarily show the true importance of a rider in the team “At Tour Down Under in January, our team winning the Young Rider jersey would not have been possible without Rylee’s selfless effort to help our leader regain the peloton in a gnarly cross wind section. Rylee has done this time and time again and alongside Libby is one of the best domestique’s in NZ. she knows what to do and how to do it”.
“We are very lucky to have Rylee on board for another season and are also very excited to see her taking on Europe again with the Watersley R&D International Women’s Cycling Team alongside team mate Amanda Jamieson after Oceania’s.” says Harvey. “Having both Rylee and Amanda racing in Europe will be great for their own riding as well as for our team. This has opened oppurtunities for Mike Greer Homes womens Cycling Team to work alongside Watersley R&D International Women’s Cycling Team when they race in Europe as well!”
To get a further insight into our riders we asked a few questions, here is what Rylee had to say:
Why do you love cycling?
“I love how much you learn about yourself while pushing the limits every day.
The feeling of winning a race as a team, when every rider has given everything they have, is also second to none.”
What are your most memorable experiences so far in your cycling career?
“Racing on narrow European roads with 185 other riders, at tour de feminine in the Czech Republic is probably my most memorable. I had just come into some of the best form I’ve ever been in, and was really happy with how I raced for the week. A tour like that is always make or break .”
Who is your cycling idol?
“Annemiek van Vluten”
Who best represents the type of cyclist you would like most to be like?
“Annemiek van Vluten – all round power house”
What is the ultimate race you would like to experience?
“World Champs”
What is your favourite Womens UCI team?
“Mitchelton Scott”
What is your favourite indulgent food?
“Nutella”
What do you hope to accomplish with MGHWCT in 2019
“I hope to take on the role of on road captain in some bigger races, and pass on some experience to our younger riders. I would also love to gain some personal results throughout the season.”