Post by Matt Markby today. Matt has written about the recent Dynamo Events winter series and then around his personal experiences in the team.
With our first outing at the Trust
House Series looming, it seems timely for another update to the blog. Recently we have been completing in the Dynamo Events Winter Series. With three rounds over consecutive weekends, these are some of the most enjoyable rides of the year and give all concerned a chance to test those fading winter legs. Round One started in Matamata and quickly showed it wasn't going to be an easy stroll to the podium. The level of competition had improved over previous years with Comms Games, Conti Riders and NRS signings in the field. We made sure we were aggressive in the opening race with all of the guys hitting the breaks. At the business end, a break emerged with Brad taking second place as Sam Dobbs exacted his revenge for runner-up in Okoroire.
For the second race in Hamilton we had almost a completely new team with Paddy Bevin lining up for the first time in NZ alongside Callum and Connor. Again, with tight racing we managed to get another 2nd place (Paddy) falling just short of a flying Dan Molyneux.
The final race was in Cambridge. Keeping with the trend of the series, the sun was shining and the wind at bay. Again everyone was super aggressive with Sam away in a two man break. He and Aucklander Karl Murray remained clear for the better part of 25km. Across the line Paddy showed us all how it’s done taking an exemplary first place. We are truly privileged to have him on board as a promising leader for the foreseeable future.
Matt is new to the team and here is his take on the last 6 months:
Having recently joined the squad in March of this year, I was initially unsure as to what ‘teams’ riding would bring. However, my reservations were quickly dispelled.
Having recently joined the squad in March of this year, I was initially unsure as to what ‘teams’ riding would bring. However, my reservations were quickly dispelled.
Our first handful of events saw no shortage of success, with Auckland powerhouse Nick Bain demolishing the field at the Rotorua to Taupo Flyer and Callum Gordon raising the flag at Club Nationals in May. The Powerco Tour of Taranaki, which takes place over Queen’s birthday weekend, took on a similar trend despite the notable absence of key team members. Having taken a firm grip on two leader’s jerseys, we had our work cut out. Coming away with both after the final day was a fantastic outcome and displayed what can be achieved through selfless commitment and sacrifice.
On a personal level, I left Taranaki with a sense of pride symptomatic of the powerful team culture developed before my time on the roster. It really is humbling to have those around you abandon their own ambitions, equally happy, to share in your success.
Shortly after Powerco we had our annual mid-winter camp where I got the chance to meet our contingent of junior riders from around the country. After crushing them all in Monopoly (bankruptcy all round) I took this confidence out on the road pushing Sam to the limit on the Coromandel’s biggest climbs (yeah right)!!! While the weather was questionable, it was a pleasure to take to some of New Zealand’s best roads with a bunch of mates. Many muesli bars were consumed and a good time was had by all. This stands as one of my highlights of the year so far.
That’s it from me today. Thanks for
reading and sharing in our progress thus far.
See you at the next race folks!
MM
