08 Nov Emma Smith Full Of Positivity For 2019
Emma Smith brings positivity and the desire to be the very best she can individually as well as part of a team. Her positivity is infectious and brings an upbeat and fun vibe to any team she is part of which is critical in teams looking for longevity and growth. In 2018 Emma has made steady improvements with some great racing results recently in the NRS Battle Recharge with a 5th in the Young Rider category and a hard fought 4th in the U23 at Age Group Nationals.
There is no doubt that Emma brings a positive and fun attitude to any team she is part of. She approaches races positively and reflects on performance of herself and her team always looking for improvement. Never afraid to put in the hard work Emma is definitely a rider MGHWCT are keen to have on board from 2019. Her triathlon background means she is not shy of taking turns on the front and doesn’t shy away from doing what it takes to help her team!
Team DS Patrick first met Emma during the Tour Of King Valley 3 years ago and was impressed by her positive attitude and potential. “The King Valley Race was a huge step up for Emma with big fields, technical and challenging course with atrocious weather conditions adding to the challenge. Emma applied herself and even when things were not going her way kept her cool and consequently learnt so much about her riding” says Harvey. “This race was a turning point for Emma and instead of putting her off sparked a desire to get more!”. Riders that can cope with adversity in a positive way a very important in bike racing as the reality is things don’t always go to plan so having riders that can lift the moral of their team mates and help refocus are critical in building a positive process based team culture.
With process goals and learning the priority for the team, MGHWCT believe that Emma will not only contribute to the teams success but gain technical and tactical skills hard to come by in NZ. Harvey points out that many teams in NZ focus on results above all else but with MGHWCT the focus is on learning team racing first and foremost. “We aim to win races of course, but only by racing positively and achieving tactical and technical team objectives. This way our riders learn more about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses and what needs development as well as tactics in team racing. Too many NZ riders think they are strong enough to take on the world, but the reality is unless they are team players they will not succeed.”
We asked Emma a few questions to get an insight into what drives her desire:
Why do you love cycling?
“My bike has taken me on many adventures. I love experiencing and exploring new places on my bike if it is in my own backyard or overseas. I love the accomplishment you feel when you have climbed a tough hill, pushed yourself in an effort or in a race and with biking you are always trying to get stronger and faster. The thrill of flying down a hill getting the Adrenaline pumping is a feeling like no other. I really love racing and through cycling, there are heaps of races I can experience. ”
What are your most memorable experiences so far in your cycling career?
“My most memorable experience so far would have to be my first ever NRS race, (Tour of the King Valley) over in Wangaratta, Australia. I was racing as a first-year U19 for the NZ development team and was opened up to a new world of racing. This was my first elite race overseas, racing against 80+ women which was the biggest field I have ever been amongst! To say I was a little nervous was an understatement, competing against many top riders who I looked up too. Here I also climbed my first ever 2km gravel climb in pretty poor conditions. So racing here I experienced many new things. This was the point where I decided I wanted to be up amongst the best women cyclist and strive to race overseas in bigger races. ”
Who is your cycling idol?
“My cycling idol is Peter Sagan. The type of person he is on and off the bike is someone I look up to. He shows the passion and fun that comes with cycling. He doesn’t always take himself too seriously and shows that it is about creating a fun environment and enjoying racing and training. The way he can race is incredible! And maybe I have a little sprinter in me somewhere. ”
Who best represents the type of cyclist you would like most to be like?
“There isn’t one particular cyclist I want to be like but I do want to be a cyclist who is a role model to those younger than me. To be a cyclist who gives 100% in every race who pushes themselves and creates a fun and motivated environment. ”
What is the ultimate race you would like to experience?
“I would definitely love to experience Road Cycling Worlds, representing my country in one of the biggest cycling events. Being amongst the best in the world would be incredible! ”
What is your favourite Womens UCI team?
“Michelton-Scott- just across the ditch. ”
What is your favourite indulgent food?
“All foods! I am a foodie but my favourite indulgent would probably be Chocolate.”
What do you hope to accomplish with MGHWCT in 2019
“? I hope to grow as a cyclist and become stronger and more passionate than ever. Grow in knowledge and be exposed to more team racing concepts and tactics. Also, take on many of the opportunities the Mike Greer team has to offer including racing in bigger races.”