February 25/08 3:30 am - The Hansen Interview: Emily Batty
Posted by Editoress on 02/25/08
| By Matt Hansen One of the rising stars in Canadian women's mountain biking, Ontario's Emily Batty will be entering her 9th year of racing in 2008. Batty made her debut with the U23 Women last year after dominating the junior class with a slew of National Championship and Canada Cup wins, and has been rapidly climbing the ranks with the "big girls", highlighted by her 10th place at the World Championships last Fall. We caught up with Emily in Arizona, where she is busy preparing for this year. Matt Hansen: What were some of your highlights last year? Emily Batty: Well, '07 was my first year espoir, so racing with all the top women was exciting for me. To single out a few highlights that come to mind would be last June. The Chinese women's National team had attended the Trek Bike Store Toronto XC Canada Cup at Hardwood Hills. Placing fifth, next to the three Chinese, and behind Kiara Bisaro was definitely a really good experience. Also my 10th at the world championships was one of my best performances to date. I'd also say finishing the 2007 year off in second overall in the Canada Cup series was a highlight. MH: How is your training going for '08? How long have you been in Tucson? EB: Training has been going very well. I did a bit of cross training at home in the snow before my boyfriend and I drove down here to Tucson at the end of January. I have been doing lots of long group rides with the guys. We couldn't ask for nicer weather MH: Whom are you training with? What are some of your favorite rides here? EB: There are endless roads and trails for cyclists to ride here but my favorite ride is the main attraction for most cyclists in Tucson, Mt. Lemmon. I love being able to settle in and just climb the mountain for hours. Most days I ride with my boyfriend and sometimes my brother. I do admit, I will usually run into Canadian riders almost everyday! MH: Who are you riding with this year? EB: The Trek Bicycle Store. I am so excited to be working with Trek Toronto for this upcoming season On the trails I'll be riding a Top Fuel 9.9 SSL Full suspension , Elite 9.9 SSL Hardtail and the Madone 5.2 on the road. MH: What are some of your big goals for 2008? EB: This season I am going to be focusing more on the Norba circuit and a few World Cups with the hope of a top 5 at World Championships, National champion and to improve upon last year's performances at World Cups. MH: What are your long term goals in cycling? EB: I have numerous long-term goals. My number one being a Gold medal at the 2012 Olympics, and possibly 2016. Also, 2010 World Champion (which Canada will be hosting!) MH: What are the biggest challenges you find as a young woman with long term ambition in cycling? EB: Everyone knows money opens doors and I'm sure most cyclists would agree that the biggest challenge in this sport would be the lack of financial support. In order to improve we need the money to experience the Norba and World cup circuits. I have been so fortunate with having such a supporting family over the years, which has got me to where I am today. MH: What else do you do with your time when not riding? EB: I love to keep busy... I just got home from a sunset horseback ride.But most of all, I spend lots of time around my family and my boyfriend. |  |
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