07 Nov From Adversity To Strength Shows Tenacity For Stella Nightingale
After a serious crash and injury in 2018 Stella Nightingale showed she has the determination and desire to become a great cyclist. We are delighted that in 2019 Stella will move from a guest rider to a fully contracted rider for Mike Greer Homes Womens Cycling Team. Stella’s results later in the season especially in NRS races against top Australian and NZ riders showed the hard work on rehab and regaining form was working and was setting her up for a great last season as an junior in 2019.
Mike Greer Homes Womens Cycling Team has a strong tradition of nurturing junior riders in the transition years from junior to elite riding. 2019 will be no exception with the inclusion of two new Junior riders including Stella.
Stella first came to our attention through Grace Anderson who vouched for Stella’s toughness and desire to make it in cycling. The team has had Stella guest ride several times since then and have always been impressed.
“Even when things are not going her way we are impressed by Stella’s never give up attitude and desire to help the team. A perfect example was her first ride for us in the ‘Hell Of The South’ where the gravel sectors definitely proved to be a challenge for Stella. She didn’t let this deter her and she dug deep to work her way back on and help the team out. In contrast this year she had identified this weakness and put in the hard yards to turn this weakness into a strength – and it showed with Stella right up their in the gravel sectors. This is what we are looking for in riders – those that can identify their weaknesses, work on them and turn them into strengths!” says team DS Patrick Harvey.
The team are looking forward to including Stella in their race plans domestically and internationally. MGHWCT believe Stella can make some big improvements racing in the team environment, learning what it takes to race in large competitive pelotons. “We hope to give racing experience and oppurtunities so that Stella can push for a spot in the Junior World Championships in Yorkshire in 2019. We believe her riding style and strengths will suit this course and we will do all we can alongside her coach to justify her selection” says Harvey. “It is no secret we are passionate about World Championships and the experience and oppurtunities it creates for young riders – especially young women. We are hoping for change going forward so that CNZ recognise how important this event is and how by taking a forward thinking team approach we can send rides to Worlds with a real chance of show casing their talent. What we have to understand is that this doesn’t necessary mean winning, but racing strongly and putting our hand up as a nation and saying ‘look at us – we can foot it internationally’.”
To get a further insight into our riders we asked a few questions, here is what Stella had to say:
Why do you love cycling?
“I love everything about cycling! I love the excitement of racing, the satisfaction of working hard in training, and just getting out on a sunny day for a good pedal.”
What are your most memorable experiences so far in your cycling career?
“My first ever race – I had no idea what was going on but it was very exciting! Winning crit nationals was super cool, heaps of people were out in to watch the racing, and you don’t get much inner city racing in NZ. The atmosphere was amazing! Racing an NRS Tour in Aussie this year was a new experience, I’d never raced in a bunch that big or fast!”
Who is your cycling idol?
“My cycling idol will always be Grace Anderson!! I remember staring at her wheel desperately try to stay on for my first year of riding – not much has changed.”
Who best represents the type of cyclist you would like most to be like?
“Anna van der Breggen”
What is the ultimate race you would like to experience?
“Giro Rosa and Spring Classics”
What is your favourite Womens UCI team?
“Mitchelton Scott”
What is your favourite indulgent food?
“Peanut Butter”
What do you hope to accomplish with MGHWCT in 2019
“To achieve good results in my last year as a junior and prepare for when I enter U23/Elite in 2020. ”