Sheppard wins 'dream' pro deal

There may be a shade of green hanging around Samara Sheppard.
The young mountainbiker is the envy of many in her sport after securing a professional riding contract allowing her to "live the dream" in Switzerland this winter.
Competing and training for fun and money is one of the goals of many Waiariki Academy of Sport members. And now, thanks to a strong 2010 season and a case of getting to know the people who count, Sheppard, 20, is saying so long to a New Zealand winter and hello to a Swiss summer.
She has signed a contract with the Wheeler iXS XCO pro team after spending some of last year's northern hemisphere summer with them.
She will join team member, world cross country marathon championship Esther Suss, who she trained with last year.
"I've always been set on going overseas and doing a bigger season, regardless of support," Sheppard said. "It's the icing on the cake - living the dream. I've put so much into this."
Sheppard had an exceptional 2010. She was crowned New Zealand's champion at Elite Under-23 level and went on to produce a stellar performance in the world championships, finishing 11th in the class.
"I spent some time with the Wheeler crew last year after being put in touch through the contacts of Matt Whitaker - director of Wide Open Distributors - and I just kept in touch with them," she said.
"What I've got is a unique deal."
She put a proposal to them, including a budget for the season, and after some to-ing and fro-ing put pen to paper.
She has set her own race itinerary, taking in World Cup races and Swiss Racer-Bike Cup series - 10 in all.
She will race against riders of a similar high calibre to herself which will give her the ideal preparation for the world champs.
"I want to get top five in the world champs - you've got to aim high."
After the Oceanias in Australia last month she had a short break but she's now focussed on doing her new sponsors proud.
"My training has gone very well - testing has shown I'm in better form so it's a case of stepping it up and hopefully the results will come. Every race you learn a little bit more."
The frosty forest rides will soon be swapped for something a bit more akin to late spring - Sheppard leaves for a second summer at the end of May and won't be back in Rotorua until the start of spring here.
"I can't wait to have another summer," she said. "I've been on cloud nine ever since I signed. Jane [Borren] and Sam [Thompson, Academy of Sport coaches] are pretty stoked. They say I'm on the right track."
"I have always wanted to be on a pro team and now I am I almost can't believe it. It's is a big opportunity for me."