the last 6 months of my life
The 2021 season was a long one, it felt like it was never going to end! I raced the final EWS in Scotland, and a week later jumped on a plane to New Zealand. After two weeks of isolation in a hotel I was 'released' and ready to race Crankworx Rotorua.
It felt a bit strange with no spectators due to covid, the weather didn't play ball either with wind and rain but that worked to my strengths being a mud loving northerner, and I managed to get my first Crankworx podium securing 3rd in the Dual Slalom - I was beyond stoked!The season wasn't quite finished there though as I then headed to the south island to compete in the Crankworx Summer Series, a two week long event including a Super D, Pumptrack, Downhill, Air DH, and Dual Slalom race.
I enjoyed the relaxed vibe, friendly racing, riding in new places, and getting stuck into the tourist activities with other riding friends. It was a really fun time that Crankworx made possible.
After the event I returned to Nelson in the north of South Island, where I was to be based for the next 5 months. I had some time off the bike over Christmas to re-charge for a fun off season. It was a big change compared to winter in the UK but something I'd been looking forward to all year. Obviously the main difference to an off season in the UK is the weather, having constant sun really does boost the energy and motivation that little bit more, not to mention the amazing trails and riding I had on the doorstep! Whilst there I made a few trips down to Queenstown, it was fun to hang out with friends, get in some gondola laps and mix up the riding. I even managed to meet up with fellow Hope rider, Remy Morton, and for a photoshoot for Hope, which was fun.
Heading into the 2022 season, The first year since Covid 19 where it feels like it's going to be a proper one, especially now we are allowed to travel to more countries like the USA and Canada. My plans for the 2022 are slightly different this time around, which feels refreshing and exciting. I'm taking a step back from enduro racing - I'll still be at select EWS rounds but my main focus will lie with the Crankworx events. A new challenge for me and a style of racing I am really enjoying, and looking forward to more.
As expected the off season went by super fast and before I knew it I was all packed up and hopping on a plane to San Francisco for the first event of the year, Sea Otter Classic. A huge industry gathering. Great to attend as an athlete and brand. After a few days of sightseeing (El Capitan in Yosemite being the highlight) I headed down to Monterey. There are multiple races throughout the week and plenty of time for meeting sponsors, connecting with new people, and seeing old friends.
I raced the Dual Slalom and Downhill, the dual slalom was a new course created by Kyle Strait: technically challenging and physically demanding. I qualified 2nd which I was really pleased with as racing was exciting and tight - I managed to advance through all rounds until the gold/silver final, where I was up against mtb/bmx legend Jill Kintner. I was pretty exhausted by then so I was happy to finally come away with the silver medal to Jill.
Downhill was the following day and I was feeling the effects on the body from dual slalom. The DH course was super dusty, flat out fast, lots of jumps and rollers, and required SO MUCH pedalling. I finished my race run and had to lie on the floor for quite a while after haha! I ended up 3rd which I was pleased with.
I've got heaps of exciting events, races, and trips coming up in the next few months - be sure to follow me on instagram.
@marthagmarthag to keep up with the latest of my whereabouts and what I'm up to!
Words: Martha Gill
Pictures: Callum WoodMartha Gill
