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Nimesha Smith: Cycling Tribe Interview
By Jarrod Patridge
Q. Nimesha, you're currently riding with one of the biggest women's teams in Europe, Lotto Ladies Team. Can you tell us what that's like?
Q. Nimesha, you're currently riding with one of the biggest women's teams in Europe, Lotto Ladies Team. Can you tell us what that's like?
Its professional, with a good mix of girls, all bringing their unique physical and mental attributes to make up one of the best teams in the world, currently ranked 4th just behind
Colombia HTC.
Q. How would you define your role in the team?
For the big races my role is a Domestique, I may not get to take the glory of crossing the line first with my arms in the air, but I find this job extremely rewarding as we all know there is no (I) in team !!
Q. As a young girl growing up in New Zealand, did you ever imagine yourself living in Europe as a professional bike rider?
Yes HUGE dream!, I have been working fulltime up until now, and fitting in training and racing around work, I have spent days at my desk daydreaming, reading cycling websites, staring at photos of the girls racing, all the time thinking wow I would love to do that!!, Now it is a dream come true and to be chosen to ride for one of the most Professional women’s teams in the world, well that is the icing on the cake!... I have read this quote many times, “It is never too late to be what you might have been” so Girls never give up your dreams!!
Q. We saw you racing earlier this year in the Women's Tour of New Zealand, what's it like racing on home soil and did your friends & family get the chance to see you race?
It’s always nice racing on home soil, even better in your hometown, as the Tour of New Zealand was based mainly around Wellington and the Wairapa, and my hometown is in Christchurch I didn’t have as many family and friends there, but hey there were plenty of familiar friendly and encouraging faces there that I recognised from being on the racing circuitthe past few years.
Q. The depth of New Zealand cycling is getting stronger all the time. How do you think both the men's & women's teams will go at this years World Championships, and will we see you there competing?
Yes you are quite right there!, I believe we have both a male & female capable of being in a winning break at this year’s Worlds and I would hope to be there to assist!, in the women’s field of course!!
Q. With all the racing & travelling you do throughout the season, how do you find time to get the rest you need, train and take time out for some fun stuff?
Well this is my first year on the Pro-circuit, As I had mentioned earlier I have been working full-time up until now fitting in training and racing around work, so now I have the opportunity to get the right amount of recovery after each training ride/race to prepare for the next day, even after one day off I am amping to get back out on the bike!! .. it’s all fun stuff for me!
And finally...
Q. If you could hae one superpower, what would it be and why?I already have a superpower! Can’t divulge sorry !! ;-)
Thanks for your time Nimesha and good luck for the rest of the season
