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MTBA-Specialized Rider Focus, Alex Meyland

Published Date

Written by Una McKay

(Image courtesy of Gary Flipper)

Alex, as pictured in the 2011 World Championships is a seriously dedicated MTB rider for the MTBA-Specialized Team. This is a team for developing U23 athletes who have their sights firmly affixed to World Championship and Olympic success. Please read his snap shot report from the MTBA-Specialized 8 week camp in Europe. The 8 week trip is an extensive training and racing camp around Europe. The Team is made up of emerging riders Cameron Ivory, Michael Crosbie and Alex Meyland who were selected to be a part of the MTB-Specialized Team in 2012 based on their performances nationally and internationally in 2011. MTBA would like to thank Specialized for their contributions towards our future MTB rider successes.

 Post first European race of the season. “Welcome to cold wet Europe Boys, who needs to go clothes shopping?”

We made it to Belgium where we found out that the Netherlands was actually warm! “Stoke the fire Clarkey”

Michael Crosbie showing his culinary skills. “What’s that Mick?

 “Everything that could fit in the pot!” 

 “Who Packed the Clothes dryer? What about a Line?” Improvisation at its best!  

 “Cycling Community??” @ Bastogne, Belgium

“Cameron Ivory (L) and Alex Meyland (R) getting to know the local Bastognians” 

Checking over the weapon after its daily bath. Looking good Specialized!

Travel Day, Packed to Specialized perfection! “We always knew playing Tetris at school would come in handy one day”

Early morning wake up with a 14hr travel day ahead, including a crossing of the English Channel by Ferry. Ending up in the UK where we found this guy (Jason Bartram AIS Sports Physiologist), who joined us for a week’s worth of data gathering on the 2012 XC Olympics course.

Pickering Household: MC (Michael Crosbie) may not have the best cooking abilities but he sure can clean! “Final polish the night before UK National XC Round at Dalby Forrest”

Pickering Household, UK.“The Bike Shed Ft. Specialized Bicycles Australia”

Another travel day! Just 13hrs this time.. After saying our farewells to Jason at Heathrow airport it was back to residency in Bourcy, Belgium.

Cameron filling in some time. En route to Bourcy, Belgium.

 Nove Mesto, Czech Republic  “You have delivered, Getting warmer and no rain”

 “Not what we like to see”   Cameron after a crash in practice on the World Cup #3 Nove Mesto course. After being hopeful of recovering in time, the injury would linger to rule Cam out of 2 World Cup rounds. 

If the weather couldn’t get any better! En Route to La Bresse World Cup #4, France

 “Don’t get too excited boys.” First morning snow at La Bresse, France.

La Bresse World Cup course view from out the front of the team accommodation.

"Skippy’s made it in La Bresse”. Aussie Road Sign floor pump for sale in La Bresse Supermarket.Ft. Michael Crosbie.

La Bresse, France team accommodation Ft. Team Bus.

 We got the coach out on the bike with us, warm day back in Belgium.Ft. Chris Clarke, Specialized Bicycles Australia, Kooga Sportswear.

 “Let’s get Dynamic” Boys minus Alex (injured) partaking in final warm up for the final race of the 2012 EDP euro tour in Stoumont, Belgium.

Race results found here

The next MTBA- Specialized rider focus article 2 will feature a Michael Crosbie report.