Cheatley delays her US season start

Mar 19th, 10. Cath Cheatley has delayed the start to her US season as she focuses on a biomechanical issue which saw her leave the NZCT Women's Tour of NZ last month.

Hopefully Cheatley will be back to her winning ways soon ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Instead the Wanganui rider has chosen to delay the start of the season and to focus on the long term benefit of sorting out her body's issues.

"I am still in NZ for a few more weeks," Cheatley updated RoadCycling.co.nz this morning.  

"Dayle and my support team decided it would be best to get my body 100% before heading over. My team also fully supported me on this as they want me to be in top shape for the big races later on in the season."

Cheatley's problem isn't an injury as such, but rather a biomechanical issue which has her feeling lopsided.  After pulling out of the women's tour, Cheatley explained she felt crooked on her bike had been suffering from post race pain.

It's a big disappointment for the rider who capped off a successful 2009 international season by placing 10th at the UCI World Road Championships before blitzing the local scene this Kiwi summer.

She won the Taupo street race, the Festival of Cycling Long Bays classic, Tour de Vineyards, Egmont Seafoods Round the Mountain Ride, and the REV.  (Cheatley didn't contest the Nationals due to a prior engagement.)

Despite the frustration of this setback, the 26 year old knows taking a long term view is important.

"Taking the time now to get things sorted is going to make a huge difference later on in the season. It's a long one too!!

I have been very lucky to have a lot of great people helping me out and I would like to thank them all for their support," she said.