I stand up and I see my bike,
like, bouncing and stuff, and then I just
told to myself. Well, I guess you're not
winning.
It's it's
overcoming adversity that brings out an extra level
of performance for me. Yeah. And it's been
a bit of my personal puzzle as an
athlete to figure out how how to bring
that without the adversity. Actually, I'm, like, totally
cutting up part of the story because people
were gonna think I'm saying, but I'm just
gonna tell you it's gonna be the hook.
Hey, everyone. I'm Chris Hall and this is
the downtime podcast where we're gonna be taking
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Alright. Today, we're joined by Canadian
Star on Lan,
also known as A.
Since we last had Alm on the show,
a lot has changed, and it hasn't all
been smooth sailing. We'll dive into some of
Ale experiences from having victory slip through her
fingers to losing faith in the process and
herself. Hear how she made the bold move
away from a factory team to build something
new, bringing a fresh and more positive energy
with her.
Journey shows that change can be incredibly positive.
Even during the tough times. So without further
ado, here's A.
On.
Welcome to the downtime podcast also known as
A. How are you doing? Yeah. Good. Happy
to be here in person. Yeah. Yeah. We're
like, talking just before we came 1 I
think It's 20 18. We did it remote
with you 20 18. I would have guessed
20 19. Yeah. We couldn't even see each
other back then. It was, like, pretty much
just a phone call style recording in there.
Yeah. Yeah. Next kinda blows my cover that
I've been around for a long time.
Same here. Yeah. Yeah. 7 years in the
podcast us world, which seems kinda crazy, but...
It's wild because it does feel like honestly,
it was yesterday for me. I don't know
for you, but
it feels like it feels by. It feels
like yesterday and it also feels like a
lifetime ago. Like it's weird her. Yeah. Yeah.
A little bit of both I agree. Times
a strange thing. And as always, I've done
a little bit of research.
The most
interesting thing that popped out, Okay my research
this time was that when you're
getting dressed for a flight. You put your
socks on first.
But only on days when you're getting on
a plane.
Where was that? It was on a wide
open like, wise words, I think.
Oh, god. Yeah. It's kinda true. But that
since I wrote that in this article, I
kinda like, doubt it. So if I'm conscious,
I'll would like, do regular dress up border,
which I believe to be underwear before socks.
Just so people know I'm normal. But if
I'm unaware on a flight morning, I still
just... I don't know. I think it's because
I lay out my clothes the night before
I eyes usually? Real organized. Kinda try like...
Yeah. Like, the pack stuff is in the
bag, and then I'm just... It's usually, like,
super earlier or whatever. So... Yeah.
I Maybe I'll put the socks last and
the socks are first on the file or
something. Yeah. So I'll super superstition there. You're
super person?
A little bit. Yeah. Yeah. A broken mirror,
2 or 3 years ago. Okay. And
I was with
our partner phil who used to race downhill.
Yeah. And then another 1 of his friends
and
they're both racers and there is a part
of chance in our job. Like I think
it's...
When writers are asked if they're super, it's
just like, we have to acknowledge that there
is a part of chance. And actually chance,
I believe has plays a role and everything
in your life. Okay. So
a little bit. Is the answer why I
definitely, like, turn around a counter clock likewise
12 time and through South my shoulder
broke.
But he thinks Right? You've not had any
bad luck we've been alright.
Have I had bad luck? I don't think
I have bad luck. Okay. But definitely didn't
have the racing I wanted it in the
last few years. Okay. So
sometimes I think it... And I, actually, I'm,
like, totally cutting it part of the story
because people were gonna think I'm insane, but
I'm just gonna tell you it's gonna be
the hook or so,
So then the boys were, like, are you
gonna be okay like, this... And they were,
like, stressing and then I was, like, Googling
all sorts of, like, answers to what to
do when you breaking mirror and
We drove to this cemetery and if you
touch like a doom with the craft mirror.
This soul is supposed like, Absorbed a bad
luck. I love this. So, yeah. We had
a little trip to the center and then,
the boys were just kind of supportive because
they didn't want me to
carry that at any race start, you know,
They wanted me to know good luck on
my side. So,
yeah. That was... I guess you could say
I'm probably super.
Getting that vibe. Yeah
love it. Right. So let's dig back then
into some of the results. There was a
couple that I kinda wanted to pick out.
For sure. Yeah. They might be some of
the slightly more painful 1 I think the
story is really interesting. Yeah. And the first
those is Lat t 20 21.
Yeah. You get a fuck where this is
going. Guess we need to catch her because
if 20 18 was our last podcast,
I hadn't even been that successful yet, Like,
I had some pretty strong results, but then
20 19 was the year I finished third
overall and racked up podium consistently.
And then in a weird sense, like,
I mean, I'll let you go, but I.
Take us through it.
Covid just hitting athletes at different stages in
their career and
different humans in their lives too. Like, I
think, now that we're, like, 4 years past.
Like, we
have the space, maybe to process a bit,
how it all hit us differently. And
I never really realized from me. It was
like the height of my career. And
than Covid. The momentum kinda just went... Yeah.
And I didn't wanna believe it in in
the moment. It was like, no. You know,
Like, I I keep going, and But to
be fair, early transformed our jobs and, like,
how we traveled and
created a stress, like I think the first
year, we traveled when the vaccines weren't out
yet, and we had 3 races at year
in Out in Europe. Yeah.
As North Americans like, I'm a pretty laid
back person, but like, I would wake up,
like a night and panic likes stressed because,
like, it was, like, if you test positive.
Like, you have to stay in Europe, it
can't go home. And so,
yeah, For me, that's when it hits is,
like, how of the courier. And then I
remember Jesse Rem and I, because we were
all still in Rocky Mountain at the time.
We are shooting the launch released for the
main Sm helmet. Mh. In provoke, and we
were all like a bit like, being fuss
racers about, like, not wanting to hit big
stuff because we didn't wanna get injured because
we had been working hard all winter and
we were headed the South America.
And then on that shoot,
we got the news that the races were
canceled, and then we just started hitting big
jumps on for and had a good time.
This Smith got an awesome launch video. Yeah.
But racing was done poor. Yeah. So that
that was crazy, but
yeah. That does lead us to where you
were kinda going, which is 20 21 in
Lat. Yeah. Yeah. So we had that, like,
weird short season in 20 20? And, like,
Yeah. I guess a lot of athletes struggled
with... Do I train? Don't I train Do
I take a break? How hard do I
work? And, like, it just a messy kind
of year. So, yeah, coming into 20 21.
Things were still very much not normal. Right?
Like, travel was still weird. Still Yeah. Maybe
still lockdown. I can't remember. I've tried to
block it No. I know. Wasn't it crazy.
I think there was still locked down. I
was like, when you would come back to
your country? Like, Remember for the Kiwi. It
was like, super expensive for... Us, it was
just needed a place to be for 14
days, and, yeah. Very yeah. Very weird times.
We had the double headers. They sort of
Yeah. Kept things
like together and try to simplify the season
a little bit. And think you'd got. Was
it third in the first of the t
double headers like you had pretty solid result.
Yeah. I think
it was rainy and it was, yeah, like
the Wednesday race, and I got... Yeah. I
got third on that 1. Yeah. And then,
so I guess, obviously feeling good, feeling confident
coming into the second 1, and it... We're
in the pros stage days back there where
you'd race the stage like the evening before
the televised Yes. Yeah. Telephones. Yeah, you can
find that on youtube.
There go. Yeah. Talk us through it Right?
Because it was going pretty well. Yeah. Technically,
it finished pretty well Right, in a way
because you were 7 seconds up until the
lead I think in that. That's correct.
Maybe that's a good confidence bruce for me
for next week that?
Yeah. So
we had Pro stage and
race day. So Pro stage is just the
1 thing, and
I remember vividly,
Miranda Miller was still racing, and Melanie P
too, so they were the girls that were
starting in front of me for Pro stage
and the vibe at the top of Pro
stage like so, like, nerve racking in, like,
way more adrenaline because...
And I remember seeing Miranda get out of
the gate and, like, Miranda Miller downhill sprint,
and I was just like,
I really have to go. And then male
Pug was riding super strong in those years,
and
So I just, like, sprinted as hard as
I could into the wood, and I remember
watching the review after and how I hit
the first corner and it was, like,
to the edge just not working. So I
was like, okay. I want a good run.
And then, yeah. Just
did some a super dumb. There was 1
rock garden
where every router was pretty, like, conscious about
line choices and it was, like, quite chunk
or whatever. And I had a little bit
of a doubt, and I just un clipped
1 feet, and then I dab, but I
fully, like, just...
I don't know what the medical term is.
Like, it's not dis located because it comes
right back in, but so like my ankle
goes out and in.
Yeah.
I'm a pretty, like, I have, like, hyper
relax joins. Okay. So Yeah. I think I'd
probably... If I didn't, it would have been
maybe a broken ankle. So in a sense,
win win. Yeah.
Remember just hitting that hearing, like, a bit
of a pop, like, and then sitting on
my seat, and there was maybe, like, hundred
and 50 meters to the finish. And just,
like, putting my foot on my pedal being
like, oh, okay. Like, it's holding, you know?
And then you'd rock up to the stage
and I was just got off my bike,
and I was like, oh, I really hurt
myself. It's so embarrassed I started crying and
Tara I was like,
how can you hurt yourself and be, like
7 seconds up, you know. So, yeah, It
was a bit of a wild start,
for sure, but That's... Yeah. Probably 1 of
my best stages in the my career. That's
cool. Yeah. But then you had to obviously,
rather than doing what you wanna do, which
is recover eat Yeah. All that good stuff.
You're off to the hospital. Yeah. Yeah. And
thank god, honestly, like T, har she was
the ph and manager of rock and she
definitely, like, kept us held together. And
packed me a lunch. She called me an
ambulance, and then I was, like, is pretty
small mountain town. And so we... I'm at
the back of the ambulance like,
backside, and then we're going down this skull,
and I'm getting like car activated, and we
stopped at a gas station and everybody only
speaks a town and I get transferred from
1 ambulance influence to the other, and I'm
just like,
who knows at this point where I'm going.
And like, I'm looking at my phone battery
because it all happened like, pretty quick, You
know?
Because
the the goal was, like, well, if you
can continue because it was also the last
race of a block. I think think because
we had, like, a few and then that
was a break after to this. So Was
kinda like, oh,
and
so we wanted to know if anything was
broken, was the main thing. So, yeah, I'm
just alone that the house pretty sure I
had some knit. So
knitted a few rows and got an x
extra and then T
my mechanic at the time,
waited, like, 3 hours for me and had
a dinner in the car. Was so hungry.
And I still have that photo of him,
like, and never ate it dinner or, like,
left it for me and. Like just like
legendary staff and
I believe that, like, we can lead to
that later, but like, proteins like, really
allow athletes to do feat that seem
extraordinary.
But they would...
They only happen because there are other humans
that are dedicated. Yeah That we 1 performer.
That we never see. Yeah. But I like,
the legends behind the legends going.
Absolutely. Like, that's such a shitty evening like
waiting at a hospital in Italy, like, in
the van. So, yeah. I think we ended
up being cleared. No fracture. Drove home, and
then we had, like, this nice machine, which
compresses and does ice and I did, like,
3 cycles in the night or something, and
then we woke up, tara taped it, and
then she... We assessed the risk to the
reward and the reward was
potentially my best result ever. So... And then
the risk was, like, re injury.
But, yeah, I was like, start to do
the first stage and
see how it goes. Yeah.
And up to a point, it went pretty
well. Right? Yeah. Yeah. I was in a
lot of pain.
So
the girls were, like, all being, like, super
supportive, and In a funny sense, I think
in my career, I'm being like,
the tough cookies. I wish it was, like
the winning cookie. But
Yeah. I don't know. It speaks to my
character, and I would never quit or give
up. So that's how It raised and brought
up and
the girls were super supportive, like, just after
the first, I was like, okay, if I
lost,
I remember being, like, if I lost more
than 30 seconds,
I quit. Like because... Yeah. There's at some
point, like, how much pain do you wanna
put yourself through to get, like, a result
that wouldn't
move you forward in the overall. Like... So
I was like, okay. If I lost more
than 30 seconds on Stage 1 I quit.
And then I think I lost 5 seconds
or maybe, like, not even to. So I
I was still leaving. Yeah. And then,
now, Pearson, I had her phone and would
look and tell me and then I was
like, okay. I guess I just gotta keep
going and stage 2 was, like, a super
big
hike bike.
So that was the hard... I knew that
was the hardest part for me for that
day. I because that was just like,
like, w around and
Morgan shah really helped me during that hike
eye. She was there, just cheering me on
and stuff. And
I think that's the beauty of Avenger. I
was like, sharing the hardship. And then when
it's so us go
here with yourself.
So
that's really something I've always loved about the
sport and
Yeah. So get to the top of stage
2 super fit our stage 3, I guess,
super physical stage, and that's when Hat was
breaking into the scene. Oh yeah. Course. Yeah.
And then you're all like, well.
Did have a big mid stage climb that
1. Stage. That was the stage that, like,
started
around a castle for for a, kinda of
good photo. Yeah. For ben.
And then,
we
It was pretty tech, and then it had,
like, a super big field sprint in the
grass. Yeah. Yeah.
So
I was kinda like, well, I just gotta,
I, give it everything I've got. You know?
And then
I think I won that stage as well.
And I remember, like, being in the field
and they had mode, like, just where
the finish was. Yeah. And I remember being
with my head down and just, like, not
even, like, looking up or to the finish,
like, just looking at if the tall grass
was like, beside me and I was like
if... As long as it's, like, on both
sides, I'm good, You know. So like, really
dug so deep and
yeah. Then I was going to the pits,
and then everybody was trying to lie to
me. But just not telling me how good
it was going it, and I was like
guys. I know it like...
So we did the ice machine again with
tara and checked my taping and I remember,
Chris Ball actually came by and
congratulate me on how strong I looked in
that finish and stuff. So there's definitely, like
a little bit of magic going in the
air and, yeah. Just... It's interesting for me
like, what brings that kind of performance out
of me because
as I'm sure you're gonna bring up,
most times, it's overcoming adversity that brings out
an extra level of performance for me. Yeah.
And it's been a bit of my personal
puzzle as an athlete to figure out how
how to bring that without the adverse Like,
how do you bring that edge when everything
is working for you? And I think that
that is something that
pro athletes to have everything done and made
for them. I'm like, how do you bring
that in? Yeah. Or how do you create
some, like,
adversity that's not too adverse. Do you know
what I mean? Yeah? Something think that just
gives you that fire and that drive?
Without having your ankle in pieces all. Yeah.
Yeah. No. It's really interesting to me and
to be honest. I haven't
fully found the answer. Yeah. So I wonder
if I I will. I mean I maybe
have, but yeah. Yeah. Trip today. Yeah. Have
you found anything that that
works on that that that helps you dig
into that, like,
extra couple of percent.
I think for me, it's like, I really
have to to be doing it for myself.
Like to prove
myself. And I think I grew up maybe
in a sense like,
hindering
myself, like, maybe not training as hard as
I could or, like, not doing every single
little thing so that I would have something...
Always a little something to overcome.
But when you get to a level where
you train very hard, you have everything dialed
for you. Your bike is perfect. Like, it's
kind of
Yeah. How do you keep just doing it
for yourself? Because you have all these other
stress are just like, wanting to deliver? And
so
I don't I don't know if I found
it. Yeah. Like, not in my last few
years on the Rocky Mountain team. Like, I
was disconnected from the process and
my writing wasn't making you proud, and
that's just personal. You know, like, it wasn't
bad or anything. Like, I still gave it
my all, but I wasn't
feeling
fulfilled. Yeah. So
that's why I did this big change this
year and change this program is to reconnect
with that and reconnect with, like, arriving that
really makes me proud. Yeah. We're definitely... Yeah.
We'll definitely talk about that. Yeah. I think
Jumping for Wanted to? Good. Do you think
they're, like, when you have that adversity that
thing? Yeah. Do you think it takes to
some extent, it takes the result a little
bit out of the picture because the result
becomes
I'm gonna overcome this. Yeah. And I'm gonna
smash this. I don't care. I'm gonna prove
how strong I am. I think it takes
away the pressure. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely.
And then now, I'm just, like, I'm high
putting myself through this? Like is it, like,
you know,
overthinking for sure. But,
I do believe that when you have something
to overcome, then the the pressure is immediately
taken off your shoulder. Because the the the
focus in that let drill race became, can
you make it through stage 1? Yeah. Okay.
Can you make it up to stage 2?
Okay. And in a sense, that's such a
silly lesson that we're taught, like, from super
young athletes. It's like, focus on the present,
be in the moment,
1 thing after the other. 1 thing doesn't
influence the next thing. So it's just like,
really interesting to me how... Yeah.
Yeah. And you're just battling the injury. You're
not battling the time. You're not battling anyone
else. You're just like,
my body not gonna stop me do this.
I'm gonna I'm gonna get it done. Yeah.
So very very interesting. If anybody's got answers,
you know, I'm open, like, please comment.
Yes.
You Paid a lot of like, addresses. So
psychologist and figure it out, so you know.
And you got psychology
qualifications as well. Right? Yeah. I studied the...
I have a bachelor of science and psych.
Yeah. Yeah. And and we're still, like... We're
still here. We're still here.
It's crazy. The minds a complicated thing. Yeah.
It is. It is but it's a wonderfully
strong thing too. And I think it's at
the end of the day it's using the
strength to to to full by performance and
not using
my mind to be in my way. And...
In a sense, Yes. Harness that strength To
to do well. And then sometimes that's hard
like,
especially when you're confronted with challenges. Yeah so.
For sure. Let's come back to 20 21
lat. Yeah. Yeah You're leading, I think. Yeah.
We need final stage. In the pits, Yeah.
Then there's 1 more stage that's super downhill.
I think Kat wins that 1. And I
have a little bit of a tumble, but,
like, you know, there's good tumble and bad
tumble. That was good 1. Just a little
roll back to the bike.
And then I think I'm, like, ahead by
7 seconds into the last stage. I know.
At this point the result.
And then I just
don't believe in it. Like, that that first
time, I'm just, like, oh my god, I
have to do something
insane to keep that lead. Like, I need
to, like,
I don't believe that what I my writing
and what I've been doing is enough, So
I just
clutch collection collection to... And I feel like
a lot of writers who have probably been
in that
position before end up doing that mistake, but,
yeah, I go way too fast. And there's
a corner with rocks slabs into a flat
right, and I'm just like, yep. I'm not
breaking into that, and I just hit the
ground so hard. I'd don't...
Yeah. Like, 1 of those were just bike
disappear and I stand up and I see
my bike, like, bouncing and stuff. And then
I just told to myself. Well, I guess
you're not winning.
So, yeah. Definitely, like Ru
maneuver
and, like, lots of intros inspection as Gone
since instead then. Yeah I ask, like, what?
Do you... How do you
deal with that? Because you... The win was
there, right? Really? Yeah. Like, yeah. It it
could have been taken yet. Yeah. Hat was
on form and Yeah. I'm sure you've had
a race on, but, like, Yeah. It was
the first time I ended up being in
a a leader
position. Yeah.
I think the only other time. I remember
back Barron calculating... When we did trophy of
nations.
Okay. I had overall fastest time that they...
But That's. It was, like, a team thing
so was different. Yeah.
So, yeah. I don't know. Believe in yourself,
I guess, this is the lesson because if
I had just dropped in being like,
you got this.
I, don't do anything crazy. Not just right.
Just believe that what you're bringing to the
table is enough. Yeah. But it's almost like,
I didn't believe that I could, like, win
1. It was, like... You need to do
something crazy for you to have this. But
now, like, I just should have ridden
So that's that's my learning. Yeah. Yeah. It
has crazy isn't in it that you've... You
know, you've won the pro stage by 7
seconds.
Still At another stage wins and you're still
not, like, able to Yeah. I guess because
it all happened in that same weekend maybe
like it's too
fresh. Yeah. Be like, I've got a history
of this now. I can kinda trust it.
Yeah. Yeah. Because it was, like a bit
of a
bit of a breakthrough performance, You know, I
had been second, third, plenty, but like, to
win a stage by 7 seconds.
Maybe I just thought I was riding on
some
extra things. So I just didn't believe that
what regular Andrea can put in is enough.
Yeah.
It's such corny lessons. Like, it's always that.
I feel like as it more I grow
older the more, like, all these things that
these coaches told you when you were young,
like, they were right. And... If. It is...
It sounds
so simple doesn't it when it's talked about,
but to actually do it. Mh. Like, all
of the lessons are not complicated. Yeah. But
executing on those things is not Yeah. It's
way harder than it actually sounds when you
when someone tells you like just the process.
It's true. It's so true. Yeah.
Wild. Alright. Let's let's hit up With 20
22.
Yeah. Is that... Yeah. It's 20 22. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah Chunk us through that 1.
Whistler 20 22. Home race. Love it.
Pleased
Lord. Like if I dream is to have
a need of an Ed and Whistler,
before I retire and honestly,
Time is running out. Like,
I'm definitely gonna be racing full tilt next
year. So Yeah. Fingers trough. Chris paul, if
you're listening.
Yeah. I know. I know they're doing everything
there can to make this series,
go overseas. It's just In a sense like
Covid hit athletes, but Covid also hit the
event organizers across the world. So... And the
sport the industry. Right? We're still recovering. Yeah.
We had the big boom. Now we go
through bounce back through the low. But
so, yeah. That that would definitely be my
dream. So in 20 22, very happy to
have a race with.
Still on the Rocky Mountain program then. So
we have Jesse and Rem and
my mom and brother are there to watch,
we start with 2 stages on black comb,
unreal tracks, like, it's just, you know, in
a sense, I was thinking about Morgan Shaw
who won Comb Blue last weekend and the
way she talked to me out the finish
line, like, she was... I was so happy.
Like it was drifting. I was hooking. It
was perfect. Like, And that's like exactly how
you feel as a Canadian racing whistler, I
think, because it's like what you know and
So, yeah, just super excited, and then we're
on a ride and sq a week before,
and it's a bit drier than I expect,
and I just over cooking it in a
turn, and I crash and I do the
other ankle.
Yeah. Same noise. Same vibe
golf ball size ankle,
and then I'm just like,
not like you gotta just be joking right
now. But at the same time, I'm also
like, oh, I know I can do this.
Yeah. We've been there before. Yeah. Go get
an x ray, whatever,
same
old story.
So, yeah. And a bit of a better
turnaround, like, it's not, like,
the night before the race. So,
it's a week before.
So, yeah, a bit of a twist of
events and then honestly, annoy. So, like a,
like, the fact that this is happening to
me again. And then also the over thinker
in myself of being like, are you doing
this to yourself?
Like, what's going on, you know? And then
Yeah. So
micro climate, I think was the first stage.
Yeah.
And
I ended up winning that 1 by a
hair in front of Visa.
So I was like, okay. Like, this can
work, you know, but,
Yeah. Definitely lot not like your magical
home race. I did a few mistakes along
the day as well. It was a bit
of a
the Black comb was, like, 1 2 stage
is done, and then there was like, a
whole other race, like, where we had to
go up. We had, like, a ga stage,
then we hiked to all the way up
to Ride down slide into baby heads, which
was my biggest test of the day as
well, just w up to the stage.
But on stage 3, which was... I think
it was, like, mis fire to delayed fuse
or something like that.
I
my chain guide was weird at the start,
just, like, 5 routers before I dress so
I, like, panicked a bit, worked on my
chain, put it back. And then forgot to
put my clutch on. Oh, no way. Yeah.
And that's just like such a Pee mistake.
You do it once. But then I drop
in and I'm like,
And I hear it, and I'm, like, it'll
be fine. It'll be fine. It'll be fine.
And
my own fault, but my chain ended up
dropping
into delayed fuse, which is, like, pretty technical
and, like, ends with a little bit of
pedal onto a flow track, and I was
like, no. Like no way. So I actually
finished third on that stage. U.
Because I think I was so focused on
corner and keeping my speed up. Yeah. And
then honestly, I got to the bottom of
that, and I was, like, I can do
anything.
Smash third with they change. Yeah. Yeah. So
it was that energy of just, like,
absolute fuel where you like, You're just, like,
okay. I can do anything. Like, let's go.
Like bring on the next thing.
And then
go up to ride down slide.
Ride ride down slide. This just super hot
day Is a pretty hard raise for everybody,
I think. And
yeah, Ride Ride don't slide, and I get
this weird feeling. Of, like, lots of track,
and then I'm just like, nah. Like, no.
It's it's fine. Ignore it. And honestly,
as you can probably tell by the time
we're in this podcast, I overthink. Quite a
lot.
So I'm, like, you're just thinking that. Like,
you don't have a... Your tire not losing
air. Yeah. Like, you're just thinking that whatever.
Keep going. And then I get to the
bottom, and then we have to
hike back up to 11 99,
and transfers room pretty tight that day. So,
because of the res receipt from pro stage,
I guess, I started last to get to
the bottom the girls are there, and then
I just go to fill my bottle, and
I go to start to transfer and my
tire is flat.
And then everybody's, like, he okay. Can you...
And I was like, yep. I'm fine.
Don't worry and just, like, immediate solution mode,
and then I just, like, try to fix
my tire, put my tube in my tube
that I was carrying for
good God how many races, how a a
hole in it. So,
I have, like, insane arm pump from where
ride don't live, and then I take it
back out. Adrian Da, I think comes,
ends up fixing my flap, but I've already
lost, like, 10 minutes. Yeah. Because there's a
delay between
top man and female. So
yeah, fix my tire or whatever. And then
my buddy Mckay actually shows up. And, like,
It's like a movie moment of my life
fisher like, grabs my chin bar,
and he's like, you're not losing on this
transfer.
And then I was like, holly heck comes
to leading like
I guess we forgot to talk about pro
stage because there was pro stage of that
race too, and it was 11 99. Okay.
And Hat had 1 at Oh, no. I
think I had 1, but we were pretty...
I think I was second on this stage
yet. And it was just a big drop
and everything so At races just so cool.
Anyway, I'm, like smashed at this point. And
we're trying to walk up this transfer
pedal walk, and I'm just, like,
completely out of it because
I'm everything's hitting me. I'm like, my ankle
barely works. I had a flat. I dropped
the chain. I have to do this transfer
with, like, 10 minutes off, and we've been
tight all day.
And then Jesse, and, know, Mack mckay and
Jose,
Bo
ended up like, kind of pushing my bike,
like, pushing me, like, really, like cheering me
on the whole time and,
Thomas Van ham who,
in those years, like, we became super tight
and he helped me with my riding quite
a bit, and I never thought I would
get him to agree to come to practice
and Ed with me. But he
I ended up pitching it to him because
I had Ironed him as, like, a bit
of a technical coach over the winter. And
then I just took a chance and I
was like, hey, mate. Like, you think he
wanna, like, come to the world of and
I practiced to me and I thought for
sure you'd say that.
And he ended up coming, and we had
done all the practice together and
he was waiting on the top and I
wasn't showing up. So he kinda, like, cruise
down the transfer and he saw me, and
I had, like, the c go over my
shoulders like, just like, absolute wrecked, and then
he was just like, can I do anything
to help? And I was like, no. Like
can. You can just like be there. And
then,
he was just like... And I that him
I was like, that's, like in daryl rock
potter.
This is as bad as it gets.
And we don't know if we're making this
transfers so so we're going as hard as
we can, and then
we get to the top and there is
a course hold. So So we have actually,
like, a 30 or whatever minutes delay.
And I make it. So I'm just like,
okay. And then I just rest.
We pump up my tire pretty
to make sure because I... There was the
big step down, the rook out, and I
was like, I don't wanna flat again, You
know, and that all the bike park as
well. So,
yeah.
I drop in and then my race ran
in the pro stage, which was 11 90
and 9 I was super hectic. Like, the
start super wild, like, not perfect at all.
And I was, like, Let's just ride. And
at this point,
I know I've I've been here. Like, I've
had a blessed day and I was leading
race in 23 1 in Lit. And I
was like, you didn't believe in yourself then,
like believe in yourself now. And then all
the girls are kinda like, oh, like repeat.
Like and I even remember, like back looking
at me and being like, yeah. Like, you
got this, and then I was just like,
oh, I don't. And then
So at this point, I'm really trying not
to make the same mistake coming. Yeah. It's,
like,
year enough. I'm so corny. Like, you're enough.
You should believe in your riding what you're
putting on the track is good. Yeah. And
I'm just ready to have, like, a good
run. And then I start. I'll just hit
all the little things perfect.
Hit the rock gap into the wooden step
down, and then I just like,
think like I really don't wanna be short
on this step down.
First because it's massive. You really don't wanna
be short on it. But also because I
don't wanna risk my tire. Yeah. So I'm,
like, let's just push real hard into these
2 burns, and it's way drier. Than the
day before when we did pro stage. And
I just pushed into the right right before
the wooden ramp, and I just
flight out. No way. Yeah. And it was
like...
Yeah. It was this... I was smart. You
know? I wasn't it wasn't dumb. Yeah. Like
I was trying to ride smart, and then
I misread how dry it was, misread that
maybe my tire had
quite a bit more pressure. So maybe Okay.
A little less traction into the be, and
I just... Maybe the be was more used
than yesterday too because more rider had gone
through. So, like, a bit of a a
few things compounded, and then I'm just sliding,
and I have that sequence of photos from,
like, a dad that was watching with his
kids, and it's just like 5 photos of
me sliding, and I... When I really wanna
hurt my feelings, I look back
what's your dreams washing away.
Yeah. And then I just like,
Yeah. It was like, just
not even... Like, you know, the first time
I stood up and I was like, well,
are you're really not doing this this time,
but then I was it was just like,
no. Like, no way. And then I was
just like, I'm cursed. Like, and I'm like,
what the hell? You know? And so I
go back I keep going. I think Kat
catches me a bit down, and then I
was like, well, definitely not women. And then
I was, like,
crossed the line, and then it says, that
I'm fifth. So
not only am I not winning. I don't
get to be on the podium at my
home race,
I don't get to be on the podium
when Jesse and Ram were both on the
podium.
When everybody from the brand I rode for
was there.
Like,
Absolutely. I remember we used to debrief as
a team, and we were debrief at the
Chicago airport because we were on the way
to Be. Yeah. And I remember, like,
stop crying and just being like, I can't
believe, like, I didn't deliver this for my
team, you know, to have the 3 of
us
on the podium. So
Yeah. Bit of a bit of a bummer.
How you. How do you... Yeah. How do
you deal with that then? Because,
like, it feels like
Okay. You could... Yeah. I mean, you could
blame yourself for these things. Right? But also
there's feels like there's some fate creeping into
some of this stuff. I don't know if
whether we believe in that or not, who
knows. But, like. You've had the victory snatched
away from you. Yeah. Twice. Yeah.
And especially in whistler let you say that's
even more painful like. Yeah.
How do you deal with it? I guess
there must be
when the results aren't going in the way
you want there must be some kind of
darker times or suppose.
Yeah. I guess, I was just like,
honestly, kinda numb. Like,
And
then other
competitors like Isa, who I'm actually really tight
with, like,
writes to me this amazing card, and she's
just like the climb and the fight is
cooler than the winning. Like it's like, everything's
in this and, like,
in a sense, I think it like dis
associated me from the process and made me
not believe in doing all the process to
get the outcome because I had been doing
the process, and I felt like I wasn't
receiving the outcome I wanted. Yeah. So, like,
20 23
was actually, like, really weird for me season
wise because I was almost disconnected from doing
that process because it's it is ever consuming.
Like, to be at the world level. And
when we have riders like Ea and Richie
to deliver, like,
consistently, like, they do like, that's insane. Like,
there's so many variables that have to come
in, like, whether it'd be reading if the
burn is a bit... Like, you know? Yeah
Yeah. There's so so many things have to
come together. So I really respect people that
can deliver at that level and.
Yeah. In 20 20, I was like, I'm
owed this outcome. Like, I I know I
can. I've proven I can, like, so I
was angry almost. Yeah. Was just... And I
didn't really like my day today which is
a bit sad. Okay. Whatever your job is.
Yeah. Yeah.
So, yeah. Like a huge disconnect and, like,
riding, like, not making myself proud and, like,
having crashes because, like, trying to do too
much, like, not believing that I, I was
doing well and... Yeah. So just like,
not cool. Yeah. It doesn't sound like a
fun year. No. No. 20 23 was was
hard on me. Yeah for sure. Getting in
your head of it as well I guess,
like it's a bit of a downward spiral
with that kind of stuff. Yeah. And isn't
it funny that, like you just as an
athlete that you're there, and then you kinda
know what you have to do to get
out of it. But like you said, like,
applying
those lessons and applying those
at the advice that people give you, like,
it it takes a lot for things to,
like, go into
a good motion. Yeah so. You kinda got
locked into,
like, measuring yourself in results instead of in
process. Right? Because you a lost a bit
of faith in the process. Absolutely. Yeah Yeah.
And I knew I always said you have
to be in the process. You have to
believe in the process, but also realized like,
not to use big words, but like,
I've been my eraser since I was
you know, very young. I had a full
career of believing in the process, and and
I had the days. Of big obsessed and
a bit of a harder time believing that
process. So maybe I was just burnt out
last year. Yeah. I realized, like, maybe I
was just Maybe I shouldn't have been trying
to push myself on the world cup circuit,
but
I believed
I should still, and I was supported by
a team and
I didn't wanna have a disconnect because I
didn't know if I could bring it back,
you know.
So... But looking back, definitely
my hundred percent wasn't a hundred percent last
year. I gave everything I had, but it
wasn't a hundred. You went the full Am.
Like you. No. Yeah.
How do you go and find the full
Ellen?
Yeah. It was a bit of a class
honestly.
Kind of knew that I needed
change
for sure.
Like, because you had a bit of change
in 20 23 in a way. Right? Because
Jesse left the team. Canyon.
And I'm I right I think he took
his mechanic Ant tara
with him. Ant tara was, like your ph,
but I think a lot more than that
in as well Yeah. Charter was actually my
mechanic. So Charter ended up going with Jesse.
I think the correct way to say it,
it would actually be to say that T
went to work for Canyon. Okay. And at
the end of the day, like, people who
work for teams like, there are people
trying to, making a living And, like, working
conditions. And so everybody kind of
went to themselves and being, like, what do
I want for myself? Yeah. And then made
those decision based on that? And I really
respect It was hard. Yeah. Because I think
any team environment that was successful when it
does come to a change or an end.
Yeah. Is difficult.
I think where Eye maybe was wrong as
I didn't go to myself. I didn't go
to myself and be like, wait...
What do I need? Yeah. I just stayed
and I was like, I need to keep
this program going. Like, I believe in this
program. Yeah. I want this team to be
a legacy for the upcoming North American riders
because, honestly, it's hard to have, like, a
pro team from North America on the circuit.
So I just really believed in that, but
then I was, like, fully not looking after
myself. It my focus was so outward. So
I don't think that changed in that changed
in 20 23. I don't think it served
me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No That makes total.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
So,
yeah. I just finished 23 23, and I
was, like, Well, first, ph physically mentally physiological,
I can't do another season like this. Okay.
So I'm sorry. Right. That's step 1. Yeah.
So
where do I find what I need?
And
yeah, It was the tough time of the
industry to? Probably
the worst time to
try and change. Yeah.
Everybody thought I was kind of crazy when
I said I was leaving
So that was your decision, then it wasn't
that Rocky wanted to change things up. It
was... You you were like right. I need
to yes crushing things. In a in a
ci substantial way,
everybody was kind of on 2 years, but
me. So I was getting resigned. And then
there was movement within,
how the team was gonna be organized. It's
now ran by
Lu, who also, and runs runs the Lu
World cup. Okay and, like, had kind of
a Rocky development team. So now it's based
in Europe.
So that was a big change for me
as well if I was gonna jump on
board with that program. And then,
yeah. I kinda realized everything was gonna change
at that point. And then I was, like,
what do I need? What do I want?
And
yeah. I think I raised the downhill world
cup in, and then I was finishing my
first practice lap, and I just saw the
guy from comments all Canada, and I'd never
really introduced myself. We know you knew of
each other, and I was like, hey,
what's going on next year with you guys
because I knew Come on all was a
band that really has racing at heart and
probably a good boat to be onto. Yes.
And, yeah, that ended up
leading into your a meeting that I thought
was gonna be, like, oh, yeah. We can
give you bikes.
But ended up being more than that.
There was some
interest in pushing the trail bikes in North
America, especially with a female. I don't think
they had, like, a woman athlete in North
America on the matters.
So
yeah, Kind of, like,
worked. And
yeah. Just like,
lots a very, like, short
because
lots happened. Like, I talked to everybody. I
was, like, putting out, like, hell mary are
there? Like just like, Yeah. Like this my
last like, you know, like, let's do it
or whatever and in the industry, like, I
received a lot of support even though there
wasn't, like, amazing offer on my table because
it's just wasn't this season for that. And
to be honest, I'm very objective with what
I delivered as well. Like I was twelfth
overall. Okay.
I hadn't, like,
were locked up on a podium in a
long time. Yeah. I almost 1 whistler in
20 22. That's awesome. But, like, on a
sheet of paper that is not a win,
you know? Yeah Not the easiest like
negotiation because I guess, in a time when
things are tight. Yeah. Yeah. So I I
really believe that in a sense like, I
I was kind of reaping
what I sow out there in the industry,
like, Of just, like,
the way I conducted myself,
how I
raised why I raised the brand that I
built. So I'm super thankful that I ended
up finding something and that people help me
finding something whether it be Damien from Yeti.
Like, we bounced ideas quite a bit. He
helped me. And just like, lots of people
out there willing to
to help me. So,
yeah, And to comments all Canada meeting ended
it up being good, and then Elliot Jameson,
was also talking to them. Okay
he's 22 year old racer, and feel like
he's been around forever because he did X
and downhill.
He was on the Nor program for a
few years. Yes. And he was talking with
Common all Canada as well. And then once
are... Both our names became associated with Weight
and H, who's the junior that was already
on that program.
There's a bit of traction in our area
with 7 mesh and,
even, like, partnerships, like, we have an architecture
firm that sponsors strength. I've never seen anything
like that in Mountain biking in his school.
It's ever something different coming in. Yeah. And
in a it was funny when we had
the pink bike release, like people were like,
oh, what is that? We were this sponsor
Something. Yeah. It's called stark architecture, and
In a sense, sports Is by outside of
sports money. Like, you look at other sports.
Yeah. Like, this was that Mercedes benz world
cup for so many years, you know? And
all... So I think it's a bit of
a funny thing It's just because Mountain biking
is so core that we don't expect, like,
outside money to be like, portrait portrayed or...
And, I mean, it's a very small scale,
Like, we're a super small team, but,
Yeah. They're... Just everybody rides at that office.
My 1 of my good friend works for
them. And the guy who owns the company
is actually Ban ar nuts brother and Ben
ar. Yeah. It worked on the industry and
how's the... Mechanic and yeah. Yeah. Worked with
Jack too. So
yeah. No. It's
it's interesting how that worked out, and that
thanks to Derek su C, who's
the comp marketing at comments all Canada. So
without him, like,
this wouldn't have, like, come together as much.
And then, yeah. I ended up bringing
some relationships for myself. Like, technically, we only
sign a frame deal this year. K. So
my hopes and goals would be to to
make this more of a
looping back to what I said, like, having
a North American team that young North Americans
can aspire to be taking care to go
to the world cup, especially that
they're a bit more in Europe now. So,
like, doing it without the support is is
really tough. And but so I think we
laid down an awesome foundation to
to do that? And, yeah, How do you
find the the new... The real Or how
do you reconnect yourself is
just like, exposing myself to challenges, And I
realized that in 22 23.
And since 20 21, maybe I was shielding
myself more from challenges
protecting what I have because I thought that
was enough to perform and I thought that
was what I needed to perform. But what
I needed to do is, like, blow the
door open and just have so many challenges
come my way that I reconnect with how
I actually faced those challenges. Nice. And, yeah.
I've staying connected to young riders. I think
is just essential, Like they... The energy or...
The energy, how they see
challenges, how they approach training, like, to be
honest,
I had no idea what the team chemistry
is gonna land. Like, I'm teammates with a
19 year old... He just turned 20. Waiting.
Yeah. And, 22 year old who's gonna turn
23, and
I'm 31. I just turned 31, 2 days
ago. So I was like, you know,
I have no idea. They might think I'm
weird and old and whatever, but we ended
up landing an insane team chemistry. And
I believe in a san, Francisco is the
3 of us, and then we have the
Commons soul race support,
ran by Par and everybody here at Comm,
and
without that, honestly.
That's also what made me go to common
all because I know to have that kind
of support for races at races and that's,
like such a cool thing that a brand
can do to actually foster that gap between
like development and
proteins.
So
Yeah. No. We ended up chatting about
everything, like, insane night team chemistry. I
they taught me again how to
arrive a bit late at the airport a
beach chill and that everything's literally gonna work
out, you know? So
Yeah. I know. It's been really cool. That's
amazing. And do... I guess in a way
you've sort of created a little bit of
whether you call it adversity or challenge for
yourself, brand new program, new structure. That's true.
I think you kinda stepped up to manager.
Answer. Maybe that's you've been so. Yeah. And
like you're learning a new bike, you're learning
a new product, like, all this stuff is
challenged, keeping things fresh and Yeah. Getting everything
example.
Everybody's is different. You know, I think to
be on a protein team or everything's, like,
given to you,
it really requires a specific mindset and a
specific athlete to be able to thrive in
that environment. It it does come with more
stress. Like, versus now, my plate is full
and I have all these challenges, but kind
of on me. Yeah. Like, nobody is out
there, like, putting their day to day on
the line for my performance.
And
in the sense like, every athletes is different
and maybe
that's how I perform better, and it's like
that balance of, like, how much can you
actually have on your plate and, like, but
definitely, I think
by shielding my sell from challenges and only
focusing on my results and only having that
as the focus of my
day to day life. That was a bit
of a... Not a mistake, but like,
not the right path for me. For you.
Yeah. Yeah. But you say for some, maybe
it's perfect. Yeah. I do believe everybody has
to find balance. Though whether it'd be like,
a course, a class or, like something else,
like, because
it's easy to just get lost. And then
if your focus is only the outcome and
out come does it come. Like, that's just
hard what left with. Yeah. Nothing. Right? Yeah.
But even... Yeah, I guess, even now, if
your
result doesn't come,
there's loads of other, like, you're more than
that result. Yeah. You're the team manager. You're
looking after these guys. Honestly, they're pretty good.
Like, I I wouldn't say I manage. Me,
like, No. I wouldn't they would be best.
Elliott actually unreal. Like, he has a spirit
that's amazing, and I mean, his story is
also unreal in itself. Like, last year, he
was
eighteenth overall, private year, like, full
so the back of his van and impressive.
Just like,
literally wouldn't change it for the world. Yeah.
I loves it. Like, he he... And
to me what really connected me with these
guys. Is like, we ended up putting some
words to it. It was like, we're here
to feel fulfilled and race our best. Mh.
So it's kind of, like,
to me, like, feeling fulfilled has to come
first before doing my best results. So
No. It's... Honestly, they're pretty impressive. They make
me a better a better version of myself.
So... That's amazing. You found good crew. Yeah.
Yeah. Sweet. So how's the season been going
so far because it's been... We were talking
a little bit before we hit record that
they're definitely challenging
Yeah. Circuits this year like, yeah on physical
challenges. Yeah. A bit of a change in
our our actual performance that we have to
put out.
There's a bit more focus into bringing
physicality back, which I think is great. Like,
I believe in daryl,
like, the fact that you have to do
the transfer has to be a variable in
your performance.
I think we're fine tuning, like, how much
of that has to be in a world
cup. Yeah. And I mean, sometimes, I think
we kinda forget, how young the sport of
Is, and how much, like, change it's going
through, and
I think
that's just part of the evolution of a
sport to to make it something that kids
can grow up and look forward to doing
like, Yes.
It was really funny. Actually waiting and have
a a memory on his phone. The other
day, like, a photo album memory and it
was Crank works 20 18, I think, and
he's about this stall. And, like, it looks
like absolute little g, and he's just walking
around Crank works taking photos with, like, Cecil
Ra, nico,
Greg Call and just like, all these people
and like,
I just looked at him my he's, like,
this 20 year old, d 21 currently second
in the overalls. And then just like, you
like grew up wanting to do this. Yeah.
And that's the first
generation of junior that have that Pretty much.
Sure.
So, yeah. It was just, like, really cool
to realize that that that's the sport. And
I do believe that integrating it in the
Uci is like the right path forward for
it to become recognized worldwide for it to
have federation for it to have a path
for riders to want to make it to
their. Because before it was just like this
professional circuit and
I personally grew up doing X etsy because
I would have bur or
federation,
kept me in school. And so
I think it's just like, we have to
look like really big picture. It's very easy
to be focused on, like, your lands on
the current, like, because those... Because you're, like,
working so hard to make this transfer what
2 minutes left like, but I really think
we have to scope out and be like,
looking at what is the sport going to
be, what is the sports place because there
are kids that are growing up wanting to
do this. Yeah. That's super cool. So
Yeah. So you feel positive about the the
future of endure then you feel like we're
heading in a positive direction.
I believe that any change is a bit
hard, and we need to give it some
time to bounce back, and it's just a
weird storm too, like, with the Covid down
downside and the industry and
just, like,
big structures like the Uci is just It's
a big governing body, like, it takes times
for things to move. Like, if you look
at the history of downhill and Cross country,
like, down and cross History Have been around
for a long
time. Yeah. Compared to For sure. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. So I think
just a little bit of patience, a little
bit of relief, like,
there's so many writers that wanna give their
best and be out there and do this.
So,
yeah. Just keep at it. I think Cool.
And your first world champs this year for
Yeah. Isn't that jewel. Yes.
In Canada too, I love that venue actually.
So I was like, always thought it would
be finale. U. But Fred to be Canada
is pretty cool, I think. Yeah. Yeah. Ferrari
kinda feels a bit like the home of
endure in a. Doesn't it so I can't
really For sure finger on that, but, yeah.
Can say also, let's cool. No. Ken has,
like, epic stages,
like big ones, super tech. Personally really vibrant
but they're riding there so I'm not mad
about it being there.
So, yeah. How have you felt the season's
been going then that was... Yeah. That was
your question earlier. Yeah. Kinda sidetracked, but good.
Are you avoiding it? No It's going It's
actually going pretty well. Sweet. Yeah. I'm sitting
6 overall? Yeah.
I'm not gonna at quick mats, but I
was 12 last year's. Twice as good as
much. Pretty good. Yeah.
I haven't
sat this high in their overall since
I don't wanna jinx myself, but, like, probably
20 19.
So
no. And most of all, like,
I led into this season with, like,
well, if like shit really hits the fan.
I'll just manage just this program. You know,
and step away or, like, because all I
really wanted was to ride and feel proud.
Yeah. And
I'm still I connected to that, and I
really... I'm just trying not to let the
outcome come in the way because it's was
what I did last year in a few
years before. So
yeah. And mean, honestly, I had way really
helped keep me grounded on that and Also
break patterns. Like, I'll do dumb stuff. Like,
you look over on Instagram and be like,
oh, fuck. Like I didn't did this jump,
like, the other girls are or whatever. And
then they'd be like, What are you doing?
Don't ever do that?
And it's just okay. Like, pattern that was
in my life for years like broken shattered.
Like, don't even
So spend all this money on, like, counselors
and
psychologist and stuff. All you need a couple
of kids with you. Couple jobs. Yeah.
No. So
Yes. Seasons going really well.
Kinda just started in group b in Finale,
which,
hey, tough tough blow, but I was, like,
only 1 race, like move forward. Yeah. And
it was interesting, funny sidebar, but, like, in
finale group b, we got to raise stage
4, and then there is an accident.
That canceled stage 4 for group a women.
Yeah. So
we had a bit of a tougher race.
I would say it's fair to say it
because we had to rush to stage 4,
race, stage 4 rush to stage 5 versus
they kinda in group a got a break
pressure. A bit. Yeah. Hey, whatever. I don't
I don't really mind. But, then I was
like, I really need to be in group
a in Poland and like, I was like,
am I in group a? Like, my number,
whatever.
And then I was. And then we just
get wet like,
so hard for stage 2. So I was
like, oh, yeah. Cool. Awesome. I let group
bed.
So
That was a bit tough because in Poland,
I thought it was really cool because it
was a completely fresh venue and not a
French 1.
So I feel like, honestly, I feel like
it even out the playing field. And I
think you can see it across categories.
And
Yeah. I was riding pretty good, feeling good,
attacking, like, just all the feelings I've been
wanting to feel. So that was, like, super
nice. Because finale was is usually a pretty
physical race. And I manage ninth at Finale.
So honestly, that was, like,
okay. Like, I didn't get my ass to
me. And then
Poland, I just did, like,
I think I finished sixth. Mh. And
Yeah. Based on, like,
how I rode there and everything, I'm just
happy and to be honest, I think something
was protecting me from being in group b,
scoring my best result and then having that
be
like Yeah. The weather affected. Yeah. I think
mentally,
I'd I really don't know how I would
have bounced out of that because then it
would have been you know, like, do... Am
I enough? Like, is my riding enough? As
questions questions that would have come back? Yeah.
So
Yeah. It's... I was, like, yeah. Plenty of
other chances to get at it, but, like,
the chances are going by ass. Like we
only have 2 races left. So
yeah. It was good. Leo Gang was, like,
just like, not my best. I let, like,
a bit of outcome focus creep in and
had to, like, medium stages.
But, yeah. No still, like, focused and riding.
And then
I tried to go home because honestly, as
a non euros, we'd...
Like, I've been gone since
April 20 third.
And, I mean, I know Kiwi and Aussie
like, have it way worse. So when I
complain about it, I feel like a a
bit, like,
you know, it's not that hard, but for
me like being home and recharging and
so I tried to go home after Leo
gang, And I think that was a bit
of a miss like, because it was only
10 days at home, then back then straight
to Calm blue. I just thought I'd it
would be really good and I don't regret
it because it did recharge me, and I
feel super ready for a alleged. The next
1. But maybe it was a bit much
on the body. So in Calm blue, I
kinda, like, had no gas.
So Honestly don't need to do a ninth
again with nothing in the tank. I feel
like
last year that probably would've have been, like,
outside of 12:50. Okay. So, yeah. Yeah. Cool.
So we're in a good place then. Yeah.
No. We're doing pretty good. Yeah. Yeah. Nice.
And I've heard you say the comments Deal
at the minute is up to the end
of 25.
And then you're gonna think about
retiring from from racing? Yeah. Like,
do do you still feel that way now
that we're, like, halfway through the season and
Yeah. There was an interesting switch to happen
in my mindset actually,
honestly,
initially, it was just 1 year, and I
was like, yeah.
I can do 1 year, You know? And
then
they're, like, oh, actually, like, set 7 mesh
really wants this to be a thing and,
like, they're gonna push for 2 years and
they're like, your contracts 2 years. And then
I had like, a little bit of a
mental right a little Tv, you know? Because
I was like, wait. What?
To be 2 years.
So
that was interesting. That was, like, early early,
like, before Christmas probably.
And,
then I trained really hard with actually my
buddy, Mckay Va who
switched from racing this year and is now
doing giant factory off road,
coaching. Yeah and he's doing my personal coaching,
and I train
he kept me honest for sure. And I
knew as well that I would have to
train very hard to be back. To to
bridge that gap that I wanted to bridge
and to have those feelings that I wanted
to have. I knew how strong I needed
to be. So I worked pretty hard and
then halfway through the winter,
or
after
a race, I raised Pa, like, a local
down race. And then I was kinda, like,
doing well, and I was, like, Man. If
I have 1 other winter
of going a hard and being dedicated?
Like, what can I do next year?
And it was the first time in a
long time that I had, like,
like, positively, like, pictured myself in the future.
Yeah.
Succeeding and, like,
So that was a huge mindset shift. That's
cool. Yeah. Nice that must sound good to
suddenly be like, to realize that you're having
those thoughts. Not to feel like like, 1
more year, you know? Yeah. Because it's it's
really cool life. And, like, we're so fortunate.
III live an absolutely privileged life to, like,
be able to raise and do that as
a living.
But it's hard. Yeah. Like, it's not easy.
Like, it means, like, training, being tired going
to bed, like, and with the level of
physicality and the girls training, like, everything is
raising. So it's a lot of efforts. Yeah.
And And sacrifice.
To me, it also matches, like, when we
were talking bit earlier when I said, maybe
I was burnt out last year. You know?
When I felt that, like, mindset shift, I
was like, it felt like a a release
and it's just like, so,
yeah, wrap up this year, do a real
hard training next year,
start to
place my transition Yeah. Pieces.
I believe I maybe need a break of,
like,
traveling. Yeah.
So I'm thinking I would love to go
back to school.
I would love to become
some kind of body therapist. So ph
Os. So I'm I'm really not closing any
door as to where I could study that
in the world. Yes. And
having gone to the huge change that I
just did makes me realize that the next
change is not gonna be easy. Like... No.
This fall was really hard. But
I'm gonna just embrace it and, like, go
full tilt. And then I know
viking will come back around. You know? It's
it's not gonna go too far. So That's
kind of my plan. Yeah. Do you see
the team, like, continuing, maybe not with you
traveling with them, but, like, having some Yeah.
I I would love for it to... And
I would love to remain
involved in some capacity. Yeah. Like, maybe not
in physically being there for a year or
2, but I... It would be so cool
if it could continue because I I believe
in Canadians doing well at world cups and
I believe in the talent and the junior
women's that we have coming up as well.
Like, I helped Lily Bo get on the
Rocky team last year and
she's hard at work, hard at it. There's
even younger talent, like, there's writers and see
to sky popping up everywhere, and
Eli skin as well who's, like, I think
she's third or fourth in the overall right
now of junior. So
Yeah. I would love for these girls to
have a little bit of a home, you
know. So Nice. See yeah. It's cool to
see canadian talent coming through hey. Yeah. Yeah.
And also connecting with everybody from Europe from
Ka all and and seeing them, like, see
a value in developing these riders as well.
So if I can remain that bridge because
it does feel crazy to.
Like as races, we have this insane experience
in such a specific bubble, which is, like
Mountain Biking racing me at the world cup
level.
And to just, like, step away and and,
like, totally, like, cut all my ties. Would
feel a bit weird. Yeah. So I I
would love to to use my experience and
and stay some kind of bridge in some
sense, but
I'm careful with that because I feel like
20 23 and... Were years that I didn't
focus on myself at all. Yeah. Okay. So
look out for number 1. Yeah.
And then look out for also what else
I care about? You know? Good stuff. Yeah.
Nice. We should start wrapping up. Yeah. Normally,
we ask final 4 questions, and I think
we hit you with 3 of them last
time because the fourth 1 didn't exist. Okay.
So we'll come back to the fourth 1,
which is,
what is something that you do every day
that you feel benefit to you?
Go outside of,
like, waking up. Yeah. And opening a door
or window and having the sun or rain
or clouds or snow.
But, like whatever air from outside hit me.
Yeah. Every day always.
Now as much as possible. Yeah. Yeah.
Wicked. Well, it's been super fun catching up,
and it's great to see you in a
happy, healthy place I agree. The energy feels
easier for me and for the unsure. That's
good. And I look forward to seeing how,
like this season and then next season goes.
Yeah. And, yeah, best of luck with whatever
you do in the future, but definitely make
sure we catch up after next season. Yeah.
I for sure. Thank you so much. Thank
you.
Thanks.
Alright. That's it for this episode with A.
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