Perago Trust grant recipient Bennett Greenough gives an update on his competition and training:
Hi Perago,
I’ve had a really busy quarter year of training and racing with some great results and good progress before moving into the Junior Elite Class this year. Over the last three months, I feel that all aspects of my riding, as well as training in the gym and sprints, have improved and I am making good progress towards my goals. I also feel that my mindset towards racing has also improved and has allowed me to achieve some great results at big races.
Over Labour Weekend I competed in the North Island Champs held in Tauranga. I went into this race feeling really well prepared both mentally and physically which payed off as I had a clean sweep and took 1st place in the 16 boys category. I also received the Paul Fisher memorial trophy, which is awarded to the top 16 year old male throughout the whole year.
At the end of November, I headed over to the United States to race the USA BMX Grand Nationals, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Grands is the pinnacle event on the USA BMX calendar as it marks the end of their national series as well as it being their National Champs. It is also the largest race meet (in terms of numbers) in the world with over 5000 competitors and has a growing interest from international riders. I competed in two classes, 16 expert and 15-16 open. Heading into the Grands, I felt that I was the best prepared I’ve ever been heading into a race from a mental point of view. Every race I felt really calm and really enjoyed every moment. I felt that because of having this mindset, I was able to take the win in both classes, my best results ever. Couldn’t be happier to end my amateur racing career on such a high!
After a successful 2019, I have now moved into the Jr Elite category. I have a busy few months ahead of me with multiple World Champs selection races, as well as Oceania Champs which are being held in Tasmania in March, and Elite National Champs which are at the beginning of March. I will also be travelling overseas a number of times to compete in UCI C1 events to get UCI points in order to qualify spots for world champs in 2021.
I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead as I start a new pathway in my BMX career. I am grateful for all the support that the Perago Trust has given me in 2019. Without your support I wouldn’t be able to get to these races, travelling the world to compete in the sport I love! I’m Looking forward to an exciting year ahead filled with new challenges and new opportunities.
Regards,
Bennett Greenough