Dear supporters,
Well by now you will have heard the good news – I am writing to you as the 2015 European Women’s Cup Champion! It’s a really satisfying feeling to have achieved what I set out I do this year and to be able to give all of you who have supported me something to celebrate!
After a couple of ups and downs this year, the race weekend in Jerez still lived up to the drama as we chased an issue with the bike all weekend which saw me further back in the field than previous rounds. It was unusual for my normally trustworthy Honda CBR650F and as the Pirelli tires were hooking up awesome in the mid 30 degree heat I was puzzled as to why the bike was moving around so much on the tarmac. Qualifying in 24th position was far from where I expected to be however I loved the Jerez Circuit and was still enjoying flying through the fast, flowing curves.
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?On Friday night I had the opportunity to get away from the intensity of the race track by attending the Pole Position Travel opening party. I loved meeting some really great race fans and also wishing my birthday month buddy, Gordon, a very happy birthday for Saturday.
I was back focused and ready for race day on Sunday for the 3pm local time race start, although, as could be expected, I was extremely nervous. It was challenging as I really wanted to make a good race, however I knew I only had to complete the 10 laps in order to have enough of a points lead to win the Women’s Cup. On the grid my mind was fluttering with every imaginable outcome for the race but cleared immediately as we rolled up to the red lights. I decided to ride as safe as possible but still managing to mix it up with a few of the guys. After 5 laps the race was red flagged due to a nasty incident involving my WIL Sport team mate Josh Harland. Josh hurt his hand badly but was ok and the rest of us were able to re-start for the remaining 5 laps.
I got off to another good start the second time around and once again rode sensibly to come home in 19th position. It was awesome to come into Parc Ferme with the Junior Cup podium place getters and later stand on the podium as Women’s Cup champion – at the same time Spaniard Javi Orellana took out the overall European Junior Cup title. I will never forget looking down with a trophy in hand and seeing my mum all the way from NZ, as well as Julie Nelson and also my boyfriend Jake who have been such amazing support all season. To top it off, the gentleman from Pata Honda who presented me with the trophy informed me he is a massive rugby fan, and after the champagne spraying he did a haka backstage for me!! So cool! We then headed to the paddock show to be interviewed on stage with newly crowned world champion Jonathan Rea – another humbling experience.
Later returning back to the pits we found the issue with the rear suspension of my bike (which was due to the after market suspension, not the bike itself) which was a relief to know it wasn’t just my riding going backwards all weekend. It’s also promising that once fixed I can show my true potential and attack for a better overall result at the final round of the championship at Magny Cours in less than two weeks time.
Thank you for all your amazing support this year and making this journey an incredible one. Especially my sponsors for this Junior Cup season: WIL Sport, Charles Investment Group, Auckland Motorcycle Club, Blue Wing Honda, Pole Position Travel, Formula Fit, Sidi boots (Darbi), Arai helmets, Race Supplies, Deepweb design, Ozzy performance, NGK Spark Plugs, Backflips clothing and Spark my potential
Please check out the media links and attachments for a further insight into the amazing weekend! If intending to share publicly however be sure to email Dave Jackson for confirmation to use these images: davejacksonphotography@outlook.com
I look forward to updating you once again from France.
All the best,
Avalon #21
Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.950139598363358.1073741851.584540364923285&type=3
http://www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk/motorbike-pictures/european-junior-cup/round-7-jerez-fridaysaturday/
Articles:
http://www.europeanjuniorcup.com/europeanjuniorcup/news/?race_event_report=2357
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/orellana-biddle-clinch-pata-european-cup-championships-at-jerez/
