09 Nov Deborah Paine Brings More Than Just Great Riding in 2019
Every cycling team needs a mountain goat and since Deborah burst onto the scene in the Calder Stewart 2017 series in the extremely challenging first round in Chevron keeping our own Mikayla Harvey on her toes and then challenging Kate Mcilroy on the infamous Dunedin climb we have had our eye on her. She followed this up in 2018 with a well deserved 2nd place in the U23 Elite Nationals Road Race and then a very strong performance in her first international UCI race with an incredible 3rd place in the Young rider competition at Tour Down Under. Further successes in the US UCI races showed Deborah was a fast learner but then unfortunately a crash and resulting injury in the Bene Ladies UCI tour ended her 2018 season prematurely.
What had impressed Mike Greer Homes as much as her fantastic power to weight was her ability to reflect from races and learn fast and even more importantly do everything on and off the bike with an infectious smile and great sense of humour. When around Deborah the mood always lifts and in a demanding sport like cycling someone who can keep spirits high is an incredible asset.
During an extremely successful Tour Down Under Campaign, National Team DS and MGHWCT DS Patrick Harvey was as much impressed by Deb’s attitude as the results she was achieving.
“Deb always had a smile on her face, was extremely helpful and had a sharp wit to match. Always offering to help and to add her views in pre race planning Deb was a revelation! At TDU she learnt fast and although harshly self critical and reflective quickly turned this around post race to positive thoughts and outlook for the next days racing. I would have Deborah in the team any day for any race and if things are going UP you would have to fight us for her! “
“Deborah having been a competitive runner knows how to hurt and to push her limits. What she had lacked was experience but she went out to change that and chose racing that would challenge her abilities and develop her weaknesses without fear of failing. That is impressive and what separates good riders from great riders” says Harvey.
Not only does Deborah bring great riding and great mindset, she is also a qualified nutritionist, great for a team where all the team have to be multi talented to add to the team experience.
“We are very happy that Deborah chose Mike Greer Homes Womens Cycling Team for 2019 and even more excited she will be our official Nutrition consultant for the team. A win win all round!” says Harvey.
Without her accident and injury in 2018 it was likely Deborah would have been racing at Worlds on a course absolutely suiting her strengths. A spot on a US or Europe UCI team was not far away. It is our goal that by exposing Deb to more racing including marquee racing in Oceania and our European racing campaign that she will shine again and develop further and we see no reason why she wont be picked up by a UCI team during her year with us.
To find out more about Deb we asked her some questions, see her responses below:
Why do you love cycling?
“I love the endless challenges, adventures and freedom that comes with riding and racing bikes”
What are your most memorable experiences so far in your cycling career?
“Travelling around the world this year with racing was unreal. The atmosphere at the races was awesome and the people I met along the way made it seriously unforgettable.”
Who is your cycling idol?
“Lauretta Hanson – Massive amounts of grit, determination and humility. A true classy athlete and role model. ”
Who best represents the type of cyclist you would like most to be like?
“Annemeik Van Vlueten. Resilient and tough as nails! ”
What is the ultimate race you would like to experience?
“Worlds Or Olympics”
What is your favourite indulgent food?
“Burgers, chocolate and ice cream!”
What do you hope to accomplish with MGHWCT in 2019
“2019 is all about development towards becoming the best I can be, experiencing high level racing and continuing to learn about and love the world of cycling.”