On The Pegs April 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 4

On The Pegs Vol. 2 Issue 4 - April 2018 P 57 tionals we have 12 sections 3 times and a 7 hour time limit. While there are less sections in the World Cham- pionships, the loop and the other riders make time a serious pressure. We walk the sections the day before the competition in the GP but the day of the race there is still a lot to look at. The new addition of the “Qualification” in the World Championships definitely adds a little twist and a little stress, but it seems to be a crowd favorite and it Is fun having new things to try. I really enjoy competing and watching the best in the world because it pushes me and helps me see where I need to be. What will it will take before the American wom- en are competitive at the world level? Since the TrialGP’s are mainly in Europe, it is going to take American women making an effort and mak- ing a point that they want to be there. My first full season at the World Championships was in 2016 (all in Europe), in 2017 we had a GP race for Women in America, and this year we have a Women’s Champi- onship in Japan. TrialGP is all about incorporating all countries, not just those in Europe, and are trying to make it possible for us to become serious competi- tion on the World scene. For me, I knew I needed to be in Europe and be surrounded by the best riders. Training everyday with my competition has raised my mental and physical level. They have the advantage here (in Europe) because they live much closer and have so many more opportunities to ride together. The other thing that’s important when it comes to being competitive, is making sure our women have a choice to attend the World Championships if we want to. The National Championships cannot fall on the same weekends as the TrialGP’s. Personally, this year, the scheduling of our Nationals conflicts with the World Championships and makes it impossible to be competitive in both series. It’s going to take coop- eration of the American trials community to keep us moving forward.

On The Pegs April 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 4 | Page 57