1st Noel

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Racing days are over.

Last week I made the decision to retire from racing. In effect I didn't have much option as it's got to the point where I can no longer afford to make it through the season. I perhaps could carry on in a kind of part time way but I know how much time and commitment it has taken me to get into top shape and compete at World cup in the past, I just can't do that now. Injuries have also made my situation very hard to manage without much of a support team. Tristan works tirelessly but there is only so much one guy can do.

I have been lucky over my 15 years as a full time racer on the GBR team to have some excellent coaches and teammates who inspired and helped me to get further than I ever would have imagined when I started to take racing seriously. I believe I got close to my potential although I would've loved to    be better and bash out a few top 10's when they were well within my grasp.

Thank you so much to all of my sponsors over the years. I want to say a massive thank you to the people of my hometown, Aviemore and the surrounding area, who's unwavering support and belief in me throughout my career has been incredible!! Especially when I had the toughest times. It's been a privilege to represent Great Britain and the Highlands of Scotland.

I would like to stay involved with ski racing in some way, at the moment I have got some coaching weeks lined up, hopefully I can land a more permanent role somewhere in the future.

I would've written this post earlier but I broke my thumb last week in a bike crash, typing is a bit of a challenge and I was avoiding it.

Cheers
Noelie