Welcome to the third SaraCarriganCycling news update for 2011. Below are few interesting newsy pieces about what has been happening and what is planned…
1. Sara Set To Coach Our Elite Aussie Triathletes
I have been asked by AIS Triathlon/Triathlon Australia to head to Europe to coach our elite Aussie triathlete women in preparation for the London Olympics next year. I will fly to France in July to the overseas Australian triathlon base for a training camp and then head to London for some Olympic course reconnaissance prior to the ITU World Championship Series on 6-7 August 2011, which will be the final opportunity to test the proposed 2012 Olympic Triathlon Course. I have worked with some of our elite on an individual, ad hoc basis but this will provide an opportunity to really drill down on physical, technical and tactical skills with our Aussie elite triathletes to become formidable competitors on the bike.
It has been said that triathlon is moving into a new era with continuously quicker times in the swim and the run, and faster speeds on tight, technical bike courses. “Last weekend in Kitzbühel, there was much talk about how the sport has evolved over the years. It’s a fair statement to say that even the greats of the sport such as Mark Allen, Erin Baker, Greg Welch, Miles Stewart, Simon Lessing, Michellie Jones, Emma Carney and many others would struggle to match the standards of the sport today” (triathlon.org).
This will be my first time back in Europe since my Beijing pre-Olympic training camp! So, I am very much looking forward to spending some time there again and will provide a report on my return.
2. Sara’s Online Coaching – Coming Soon
I have been busy working away on providing an online coaching/training/information service to be more accessible to people around the world. The launch is scheduled for October and will keep you posted on what will be involved.
3. She Magazine Gold Coast Bulletin
Here is an article written recently by Rachel Jansen in the She Magazine of the Gold Coast Bulletin. Entitled “Biker Chic – Enjoying the social bike ride”, it is all about how the women are jumping on bikes to enjoy the social aspect as much as the fitness benefits.
It’s something you may not have done since you were a kid, or maybe you’ve never done it all! But going for a bike ride is something you can do at any age.
Olympic Champion Sara Carrigan has spent the two years since her retirement running her own cycling school and encouraging Gold Coaters to get on their bikes. She is enthusiastic about the increasing numbers of bike riders she has noticed of the years.
“When I first started, hardly anybody was riding,” Sara says. “But then, every year I came back (from half a year living overseas) there was that many more people riding.”
Now she says, there are more women joining clubs and taking up pedal power, attracted to the social aspect as much as the fitness benefits.
Click here for full article – www.saracarrigan.com/BikerChic
4. Gold Coast Bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games
4.1. ‘Business & Community Committee’ and ‘Athlete Advisory Committee’
I am very excited to be a part of the bid for Gold Coast to hold the Commonwealth Games in 2018. To help Gold Coast secure the bid, I am part of both the ‘Business & Community Committee’ and ‘Athlete Advisory Committee’ for the Gold Coast 2018 Bid.
The 11th of November is the date we find out if our bid to secure the Games has been successful! I really do hope we win the bid… not only will it be motivation for me to come out of retirement (haha), but will be great inspiration for your young kids, a boost for our economy and tourism, great for development with the construction of the ‘Health and Knowledge’ precinct at Parklands and a great way to showcase our awesome city! I have called Gold Coast home since 1988 and of all the places I have travelled and ridden my bike, the Goldie is one of my favourite places.
4.2. Behind the Bid’ officially launches
The Bid Team, in conjunction with local radio station 90.9 SEA FM, recently dived head first into the Gold Coast community to promote the Behind the Bid Virtual Beach Line.
The SEA FM cruisers were out and about, with laptops on board, encouraging everyone to join the virtual line and get involved in all the fun.
I helped out on the day along with some other famous Gold Coast athletes including 2010 Commonwealth Games marathon runner Michael Shelley, Gold Coast Titans rugby league star William Zillman and star players from the Gold Coast Blaze basketball team.
And it’s not too late to be involved. The Beach Line is simple to be a part of. All you need to get started is a Facebook account. To join the Beach Line and show your support for the Gold Coast’s 2018 Bid, visit: www.behindthebid.com
You can GET BEHIND THE BID and show your support by connecting through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or checking out the website at www.goldcoast2018bid.com.
5. Cycling Express – Australian online bike shop
www.CyclingExpress.com Australia’s new online bike store! If you shop online, you now no longer need to purchase from the overseas sites. Online shopping is already revolutionising purchasing across the world in all industries, and for the bike industry this means cycling can be more accessible for both the top end and for kids or anyone else just getting started in the sport. Cost has been a barrier to entry the sport for as long as I can remember so I am very excited that this hurdle is being chipped away.
The online store is teaming up with local bike shops around Australia to be their service centres so it is a case in which everyone wins. Check them out and if you need to talk to someone, they are more than happy for you to ring to help you with your purchase.
6. Cycling Skill Course Dates
I have set some dates for the 2nd half of 2011 for my Beginner Cycling Skills Course:
• 20th August 2011
• 17th September 2011
This introductory program is for riders of all ages who are new to cycling. The primary goal is to enjoy the wonders of riding a bike through learning the necessary skills to safely, confidently and comfortably ride your pushie.
The Skills Course starts on a traffic-free circuit at the Nerang over two 4hour sessions (Saturday mornings) and has a specific focus covering the vital skills and techniques such as bike handling, cornering, braking, gear selection, cadence, bike posture, bunch riding, hill climbing and road safety etc. The second part of the program builds upon this skill development and furthers fitness, endurance, riding skills and bunch skills over 4 weeks, through structured on-road sessions in the Go for Gold program on Thursday mornings (or Tuesday if you are more advanced) and a wind trainer/ergo training program to complete at home.
Here’s the link for more info and what’s included – www.saracarrigan.com/SkillsDetails
Click here for the registration form – www.saracarrigan.com/SkillsRegistration
Get on ya bike and enjoy the wonders that come with it … feel alive and feel free!
Sara
