Words | Caleb Bottcher
Following two years of training and study at home, I’ve set out on my first full overseas race season this year as the next step in my development.
The trip started at the end of March in Australia for Oceania Champs, where I placed 8th in elite. The next phase was in California for the Sea Otter Classic industry show, where I placed 7th and met lots of people. I was hosted by a lovely couple in Santa Cruz for a few weeks and was made to feel right at home. I had mixed luck and results at the US Cup races in Arkansas, but it was good to race such a big field prior to the World Cups.
I then joined fellow Kiwi Sam Shaw and we got setup with a van to travel around Europe. Van life is a lot to adjust to, but works really well.
Photo credit | Harry Talbot
I ticked off my first couple of UCI MTB World Cups with XCO racing in Albstadt and Nove Mesto, and had solid rides at both. I enjoyed having them one week apart so that I could learn and make improvements immediately, finishing 20 spots better in 72nd. Unfortunately Sam injured his shoulder and has returned home for surgery, so I’m solo with the van now! It’s pretty daunting but I’ve learnt a lot in a short space of time.
Photo Credit | Piper Albrecht
I then made the trip to Morzine for a huge training block, and I met an awesome crew there through the Santa Cruz showroom. Hour long climbs at altitude, surrounded by great scenery sure kept the long days exciting! I look forward to seeing what this block does for me at the next races in Austria. Following these I’ll be sitting my exams, so I better fit some study in there too!
