Harriet Burbidge Smith - This year has been huge

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Category: Harriet Burbidge-Smith

This year has been huge! 2012 has been crazy! And it’s not even close to being over. I’ve had some highs and some lows this season, but I do know for sure that 2012 has made me a stronger, better and more confident BMX rider and athlete.

This year I travelled all over Australia and the world. Competing in events such as, the 2012 Champbikx/Probikx series around Australia, going to Nerang on the gold coast where I scored a 2^nd and 4^th. Bunbury in Perth, grabbing a 2^nd and 3^rd place.

Melba, ACT where I placed 1^st and 2^nd. The final round in Blue Lake where I finished the series off with a win and a second place total for the series.

Other big events included both the Australian National titles in blue lake, and the World Championships in Birmingham, England.

Going into the Australian titles I was quite confident I had done the training to take home the win, and after winning the last round of the Champbikx series I knew I had what it took.

Unfortunately my head didn’t seem to be in the right place for the final, and after leading through the 1^st and 2^nd straight I made mistakes, which in turn landed me in 6^th position. In the end it came down to small mistakes I made, and I fully respect every rider I raced that weekend.

After a not so planned result at the Nationals, with only a few weeks before worlds I re-focused my head and trained my hardest.

It was great to be at another world championship event, the atmosphere you get there is like no other race on the planet. The racing at world titles is always stepped up, the crowds are always bigger, and with the track being built in an indoor arena, the feeling was like no other!

After practice it was safe to say I loved the track! It was fast, fun and just super smooth, definitely one of my favourite tracks.

My race class had over 32 riders! And I am so insanely impressed with the amount of girls and competition has stepped up in the sport. Going through the 3 motos, feeling the best mentally I have ever, I won all 3 of my heats. After a nervous wait I went up for my quarter final, where the top 4 make it through to the semis. With no track warm up before the quarters I had to make sure I warmed up as much as possible before racing. Smoothly enough I won my quarter and moved on to the semis.

It’s safe to say the semis didn’t go quite as smooth. With a packed heat and some great competitors unfortunately I came together with another rider in the 2^nd straight, ending my chances at making the final and a world title.

Though I was disappointed with the results I didn’t let it get me down. I enjoyed my time in England, meeting up with racers from around Australia and the world. Sightseeing, travelling and gaining memories for life.

More recently down at the Luke Madill supercross track I came short of the first supercross double unfortunately landing wrong I was thrown over the bars, breaking the top half of my arm clean in half. The injury to be honest came at the best possible time for me. Though I would rather stay injury free completely, if it had to happen I’m glad it happened during my off season. It will of course change my training, but I refuse to let it dint my progress this year.

Though the result wasn’t what I hoped for, I knew my training and hard work showed in my racing. The mental confidence I gained and the motivation I received, is the reason this year of racing was so important for me. This year was 100 percent successful in my eyes, and I know it’s made me stronger for my first year of Jr elite in 2013, let the training begin!

Also like to thank every amazing person and organisation/company who supported me throughout the season and hopefully many years to come.

First of all my dad, mum and my whole family. As well as my friends. Crupi bikes USA for their continued, unwavering support and kindness. ACTAS, for the incredible support, supplies and facility’s. Unit clothing, for the amazingly rad clothing and supplies. As well as Tiffen & co, bike culture and reach out Australia.

Thanks!

-hazza

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