Zenovich powers into development squad
PRESSING ON: Rising cycling star Matthew Zenovich is looking forward to an exciting year in 2010.CYCLINGby Michelle Curran
Ohaeawai cyclist Matthew Zenovich received an early Christmas present when he opened a letter saying he had made the National Under-17 development squad.
"I got sent a letter to
say I was in - it was pretty cool," he said. "Once selected, you have to ride in certain races plus training camps ... throughout those races and camps, a team will be chosen to ride in the Canberra Tour in July."
Selectors have been watching the 15-year-old Okaihau College student intently over the past year at various events, including the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cycling Championships in Auckland - where he placed third in the under-16 division - and October's Yunca Junior Tour at Invercargill, and have recognised his potential.
Last year, Zenovich was called up as reserve for the Canberra Tour and attended some of the training camps, so he has a fair idea of what would be expected of him at the first camp, based in Rotorua during April.
"It's more a social and fun sort of camp where you get to know everyone and that sort of thing. They teach you a lot about nutrition and go through the process of selection," he said.
Following the Rotorua camp, Zenovich will race in the Te Awamutu Junior Tour, then attend a second camp at Taranaki, where cyclists are taught skills about racing in a team.
At the end of April, squad members race in the Rotorua Junior Tour before the 2010 Nationals at Hastings.
The ASB Northland Secondary School's cycling winner is on a rest period but he will begin base training over the summer, building up to peak at the end of May.
"It will be in time for Canberra, where I'm hoping to do well if selected," he said.
As he is based in Ohaeawai, Zenovich keeps in contact with his Ruakaka-based coaches Ruth and Jonathan Jarman via email. He also checks in with them at Saturday morning training sessions in Whangarei.
He also has to liaise with NZ coach Robbie Risdon, based in Christchurch.
There is an exciting year ahead for the future star.
In the meantime, Zenovich is enjoying a summer break and haymaking to earn a bit of cash for a new bike. Striders Multisport Club in Kerikeri has already fundraised $1000, which members will put towards the new ride.
