Jessie Hodges | Sport

It’s almost ticking over 2 years since I started riding and it’s been an awesome journey so far. After being selected for this scholarship last year, things have really taken off! I gained a 2nd at the Elite Track Nationals in the Madison at the beginning of the year, and then headed over to Australia to race in the Mercedes Benz team where I learnt that the hills in Cambridge are not so big after all, as I climbed a mountain where it was snowing at the top! I also managed to win the SLCC road race. I then flew to America and raced in a bunch of UCI track races and claimed some UCI points. Europe was the next stop, and I get what everyone means when they say racing in Europe is like no other! I was racing against last year’s Olympic champion (Anna van der Breggen) and Marianne Vos who’s known to be the finest cyclist to date. Throughout racing in the Netherlands I got some awesome results and data- new max heart rate in every race! I also have a few offers from some European teams which will mean I head back over next year! A highlight would have been getting in a break away with Anna and Marianne. From the racing and experiences I had overseas, it really showed to me how much I love this sport and it was very clear that this is exactly what I want to be doing! I’m excited for what’s to come as I have been selected to represent New Zealand at the World Cup in Poland this November. I’m working hard every day to excel even more to achieve my goals, and I’m having a lot of fun in doing so! I’d love to be apart of the Mike Greer Homes Womens cycling team as it provide some awesome opportunities to help me with reaching my goals.