 Aug 29th, 09. Kiwi international Sam Bewley sums up his busy 2009 US season for RoadCycling.co.nz and talks of his NZ summer goals; a mince and cheese pie on the beach.
Bewley pulling at the front in the Tour of Gila. Photo courtesy Sam Bewley
22 year old Sam Bewley started his international season with the World Track Championships in Poland in March.
From there he went directly to the US where he rides for the U23 team Trek Livestrong, a development team initiated by Lance Armstrong and directed by Axel Merckx.
Bewley, with fellow kiwi Jesse Sergent, had a busy season not only racing all the big tours across the US, but also spending time in Canada, Luxembourg, Belgium and France.
Next races / goals before the end of the international season
I only have one more race left this season with Trek-LiveSTRONG, Univest. A UCI race in the second week of September. It's a one day race that sounds suited to my, and the team's, riding style so hopefully a result can be pulled off there.
I'll also race a couple of local races here in Boulder over the next couple weeks. Nothing major but still solid racing and makes for a good training day. Hopefully my season will then end at the end of September with the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Switzerland.
Best ride/result of the season
I would have to say the best ride of the season for me was at the U23 Paris-Roubaix. I finished 14th and 35sec behind the winner who was my own Trek-LiveSTRONG team mate, Taylor Phinney. I had never ridden cobbles before, let alone 22 sections of them in one race so to perform how I did made me very satisfied with my ride. (Read Sam's account of this race)
Best experience (on or off the bike)
Once again U23 Paris-Roubaix was for sure my "on the bike" highlight this year. To ride such a prestigious race, finish in the famous Roubaix Velodrome and then to shower in the same showers that all the great riders of this race showered in.
My "off the bike" highlight is just being part of this amazing team setup. A team with the world's best bikes and equipment. Working under Axel Merckx is a pretty rare opportunity. He was a man I respected as a cyclist and now a man I respect as a great director.
"I believe I have developed a lot under the guidance of Axel not just physically but also mentally."Are you happy with your 2009 International season?
I am satisfied with my season for sure. I believe I have developed a lot under the guidance of Axel not just physically but also mentally. I have matured a lot more as an athlete and my knowledge for a bike race has also been improved.
Although I end the season satisfied I also end it knowing that I can improve plenty more in a lot of aspects and it excites me to do this in the future.
When are you back in NZ?
I'll be back in NZ at the end of September, back to my home town of Rotorua. Its been a 7 month long season so to finally get home, catch up with everyone and eat a mince and cheese pie will be a nice treat and something I'm really looking forward to.
Are you planning on riding: Tour of Southland, Taupo Classic, Festival of Cycling, Elite Nationals...
At the moment I know I'll be riding the Tour of Southland, but I can't really confirm any plans for later in the year yet. I'll be doing a few track camps and a World Cup in November. That's about as far as I am looking at the moment.
Main goal for the NZ season?
Spend some time at the beach!!
Related articles on Sam Bewley's international season
Read the season round-ups of all the kiwi internationals..
Greg Henderson, Peter Latham, Alex Meenhorst, Tim Gudsell, OEX Team Enterprise, Matt Sillars, Roman Van Uden, Alex McGregor, Heath Blackgrove, Wade Mangham, Glen Chadwick, Genevieve Whitson, George Bennett, Logan Hutchings, Michael Torckler, Josie Giddens, Jesse Sergent, Tom David, Jack Bauer, Sam Bewley, Rushlee Buchanan, Clinton Avery, Ryan Wills, Cath Cheatley plus recent interviews with Alison Shanks, Hayden Roulston and Jo Kiesanowski. More to come...
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