Introducing Bryony Botha
One of our 2023 Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge Ambassadors
“I'm Bryony, I'm 25 years old and I am a member of the NZ Track Cycling Team. I have been to 2 Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast & Birmingham) and 1 Olympic Games (Tokyo).
I have a Bachelors degree in Social Science and I am currently working towards my Masters in Management and my second Bachelors degree in Communication.
My dad got me into cycling when I was 12 years old and he coached me and did every single training session with me until I was 17 and I started getting too fast for him! I like riding because I love exercising, challenging myself, and exploring new areas. Cycling has also taken me to some amazing and strange places around the world that I probably never would have experienced if I didn't do cycling.
And I also love the massive cycling community that exists not only in New Zealand but all over the world.”
-Bryony - Riding the Round the Lake
March Recap
March started off with racing at the Track Cycling National Champs. I competed in four events and medalled in each one. But the standout? That had to be the Individual Pursuit.
Back in NZ: September Highlights
After a long time away from NZ, and some time off the bike, Bryony is back home, getting back into her fitness routine, spending time with family and friends, and even doing a bit of baking when procrastination strikes.
Track Cycling World Championships
In the beginning of August I competed at the Track Cycling World Championships held in Glasgow. I had some pretty good results from this competition placing 3rd in the Individual Pursuit and 2nd in the Team Pursuit but still felt a mix of emotions.
Training, racing, and gearing up for Worlds
For the month of July I started off with 6 days of track racing in Podenzano, Italy. The racing was extremely valuable and I learnt so much (especially in the Madison event) that I hope to apply in the race at Worlds.
Racing in Belgium
For the month of June I spent my time training and doing a bit of racing in Belgium. I had a rough start dealing with some bike mechanical issues in the first week I arrived, but once that was sorted I was absolutely flying!
Get to know Bryony…
Bryony is a 25-year-old member of the NZ Track Cycling Team who has participated in two Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast & Birmingham) and one Olympic Games (Tokyo). Bryony loves cycling because she enjoys exercising, challenging herself, and exploring new areas.