Rachael Archer has achieved top results racing America’s Grand National Cross-Country Women’s class- WXC 2019 having notched podiums of 5 x 3rds, 1 x 2nd from 12 races under AmPro Yamaha Racing Team.
Currently standing 3rd Overall in points table, Rachael is fiercely determined to make all points count in Final WXC Round 13 at Ironman Raceway, Indianapolis this coming weekend.
Hot off re-signing with AmPro Yamaha Racing Team for 2020, Rachael has sincerely made her mark in the inaugural National Series, which dates back to first race in 1975 run by no other than Davey Coombs late father- Dave Coombs.
Tasting first 3rd podium at Round 5: X-Factor Whitetails, Rachael has put all learning curves to use racing tracks most WXC competitors know super well.
2019 WXC lead rider Becca Sheets now racing her 7th season, proves Racheal’s debut year shows massive potential for future WXC career.
#650: ‘The hardest thing for me this year has been the fact the I’ve never ridden the tracks in previous years and all the other girls have been in the game for 5 or so years. They know where the best places to practice are and what suspension settings and tyres work best etc’.
‘The most rewarding thing has been seeing my hard work pay off with good results and I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more next season!’
Special highlights for 2019 WXC season have been having family track-side sharing first podium celebration along with first-ever leading WXC Round 8 at Snowshoe to stand 2nd on box- awesome accomplishment indeed.
#650: ‘Highlights for me this year would definitely be earning my first podium when mum was over visiting. Another big highlight would be leading the Snowshoe race until half way through the last lap when I went down behind some lappers and missed a hot line and Becca got past’.
With Final Race at Ironman Raceway, testing all riders cross-country skills over riverbeds, hills and through harvested cornfields, Rachael is more aware on where focus needs to be.
#650: ‘My focus for this race is to be more aggressive and have fun’.
With end of WXC season in sight, NZ’s first-ever female full-time GNCC rider has secured renewal of contract to race 2020 under AmPro Yamaha- which is feat just in itself. One that not only does Racheal proud on what she has achieved in first WXC season, but also for all Women riders and racers wanting to achieve success overseas.
#650: ‘I just received my contract from AmPro Yamaha yesterday and I can definitely say next year will see bigger and better things for 2020-2021 season’.
And heads up on some much needed relax time back in NZ post Final WXC Race, what’s on the list?
‘#650: ‘Looking forward to seeing my family and friends and it will be nice to chill out and do some normal teenage stuff haha! I’ve learnt a hell of a lot this year and 2020 GNCC better look out because I’m coming!’
Writers note: super stoked for Rachael in 2019 WXC Series. Always a pleasure to write and film Rach at home on the farm with James Bennell and away in USA.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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