19 days and counting...

Only 19 more days to go till the opening ceremony of the 2013 South East Asian (SEA) Games!! Days are ticking past – can’t believe how fast time has flown by! This being my first ever Games representing the Malaysian contingent in cycling, I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. Amongst all that excitement, there’s that tinge of nervousness popping up ever so often – which I’m constantly trying to push aside.

Mascot for the 2013 SEA Games!

 Whilst back on a training stint in Malaysia in October, I received news of my selection onto the road squad for the Games. I was stoked! One of the six girls on the team, we’ll be headed over to Myanmar in early December. A definite start in the ITT on 15th  Dec, and 4 of the 6 of us will be riding the road race on 17^th Dec.

As with the majority of women in cycling, the reality of funding our passion for the sport is a challenge in many ways. It’s scary when all the costs start stacking up – equipment, clothing, nutrition, travel, racing – and every little bit of assistance goes a long way! I’d like to acknowledge the sponsorship of Powerbar Malaysia for my nutritional needs, Rudy Project Malaysia for the helmets and glasses and Key Power Sports Malaysia for the 2XU compression recovery clothing to support my dream of racing at the Games. Thanks heaps guys! And the team at Cycling Malaysia Magazine for their awesome support – check out my feature in the latest issue of the magazine!

Powerbar bars, gels and powder - racing fuel!! 

Rudy Project Helmets and Glasses - protection! 

Check out the latest Oct/Nov issue of Cycling Malaysia Magazine! 

So what’s been happening? It’s been a very busy period of late. After an intensive block in Malaysia in October, I’ve been back in Melbourne juggling my full time job at the bank with training. With ‘summer’ here in Melbourne (this rain has to stop!), track and criterium racing is in full swing. It’s a great way to start sharpening up those fast-twitch fibres again – and am certainly happy to back racing the  Thursday evening Northcote CC track races and the Sunday morning SKCC criteriums.  Been racing a couple of State Titles lately too – the Victorian Omnium, Road Championships and Track Cup.

With not much preparation, a silver and bronze medal at the track to add to the bag – bonus! I’m slightly disappointed to miss out on another edition of the Tour of Bright being the buzz of the town – well, hopefully it’ll fit into the calendar one day.

Silver at Vic Omnium with Lauretta and Marquessa - bonus! 

 Into my final training phase now before the Games – the legs are definitely feeling the intensity – but hey, no pain no gain! Not long to go now – wish me luck! :) 

Nothing like a great training day in Melbourne! :)