GEARING TO WORLDS

Q You said that 2016 was a training year, so what can we expect in 2017?

A Well, next year the goal really is world champs in my hometown. I want to give myself the best chance I can to have the best result I can, while we have the worlds in Cairns. It’s going to good to have good results at the World Cups to prepare for it but my goal next year is Cairns world champs. Anything else is a bonus.

Q Is racing in Cairns harder in some respects with the weight of expectation from rivals and supporters?

A The first year was the hardest race of my life, but you know having that first World Cup here, that kind of set us up for the one this year and that one was bigger and I think the world champs will be easier than what it was the second time. But it’s definitely hard to race at home, with the extra pressure and extra crowd and you want to do well in front of everyone but I’m getting kind of used to it now. But having dad right here and my mum and my mental coach, everyone’s close so you actually have the best support you can all year.

Q How was the World Championships for you this year (pictured right) and do you think Cairns can top it?

A The World Championships is always the biggest race of the year and it’s prestigious because you’re getting selected by your country and you’re racing for your country with the Australian jersey on, so it’s a pretty unique race in itself. And then to have it come to Australia, we’re very patriotic I want to say, so I definitely think it will top Val di Sole for sure. It’s going to be special and I’ll be sad when it’s over. I don’t really have an expectation of it. I just want to enjoy it when it comes.