Description
Hi I’m Thomas, and I started track cycling at the age of 12 and have had a passion ever since then!
Here is my story..
A family friend invited me down to the local velodrome at the age of 12, to have a go on my first track bike. It was challenging at first; getting used to riding a bike where there are no brakes, and you can’t stop pedalling, however as soon as I got the hang of it I was hooked.
Four months later, and some wins under my belt, I was winging my way down to Invercargill to ride my first National Track Championship. I had my trusty 30 year old steel track bike under me and was ready it show the country what I had. I surprised everyone (including myself), when I managed to win a bronze medal in the U15 Scratch race. This sparked a new goal, to win a national title the next year.
A successful five years later and I have spent the majority of the last 18 months working part time and living in a flat in Cambridge away from family. This has been challenging, but has allowed me to train at the best facilities, with some of the best coaches in New Zealand and has made a great impact on me as an athlete.
With my success in the last year, I have made selection for the Junior World Track Cycling Championships to be held in Aigle, Switzerland in August this year. Being in Switzerland, on the other side of the world, this is an expensive trip. The cost of the trip is significant, however I am determined to make this happen.
I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now without the support of a countless number of people: coaches, friends, family and people who have supported me purely for their love of New Zealand sport.
