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09.01.04
Interview with Gareth Wood - NZ Racing Champ 2003
The
countdown for the NZ Racing Nationals 2004 is on with only 4 weeks
to go. We've asked Gareth Wood some questions about his preparation
defending his title:
With
the Racing Nats being held in Auckland this year, do you think competition
will be tougher this time now that you are not on your home turf ?
Yes
a lot more, not only won't I be able to train where the racing will
be taking place, but I think the fleet will be a lot more evenly matched
this year, I know of at least a few guys who we haven't seen for a
while, that are coming back to the nationals to try and take out the
title. One of these guys was competing on the European Formula Circuit
in 2003, so the standard of racing will be a lot higher this year.
How
do you prepare yourself to defend your title? Do you have a regular
exercise program?
I
make sure I do something everyday, so if I can't get out for a sail
I usually go for a bike ride / swim or whatever I feel like on the
day. If I'm out by myself I'll be looking to get to know my gear better,
taking gybing etc, and trying to pick wind shifts. When I'm sailing
with someone else I work on my speed, and test gear set-ups e.g. adjust
downhaul/outhaul, swap fins etc.
With
new gear coming out every year, how difficult is it to test and fine-tune
it? How long or how much effort do you put into it?
Most of the time when I'm training I'm looking to fine-tune
the gear, if something is majorly wrong I'd know straight away and
be able to change it, but it takes hours of sailing against someone
else to get the last 5% out of the gear. Having new gear coming out
every year can be hard, but everyone is in the same situation so you
just have to try and sail on the new gear as much as you can.
What's the most difficult thing about getting ready for the
race?
On race day, it's making a decision on what sail/fin to use,
especially if it is gusty, picking the right sail for the conditions
can sometimes be the difference between coming first or second. Before
an event it's quite hard having the majority of the competition in
another city, you never know how you are progressing in comparison
to them, it's always good to get the first couple of races completed
because it calms your nerves down a bit!
One
of your goals must definitely be to defend your national title successfully.....
any other plans for 2004, like competing overseas?
My main goal for 2004 is to win the NZ Nationals, I am off
to Sydney on 19th Jan to compete in the Australian Formula Nationals,
and I'll definitely be considering attending some more international
events on the Formula Tour this year once the Nationals are over.
How
do you cope with stress during a race? Do you usually keep your cool
or do you fire yourself up when it gets though?
I usually only get stressed when I know I could have done
better, but I've just made stupid mistakes. I really enjoy close racing
where you have to work really hard all the way to the finish.
What
can you recommend to the younger generation who would like to get
into racing (apart from asking Dad to support them financially!)
Try to race as much as possible, even if it's just against
boats, racing experience is the most important thing you can get.
Don't be afraid to ask guys like me questions, we're more than happy
to help you tune your gear up, and answer any questions you have.
Gareth's
sponsors are Wildwinds, Neil Pryde, AHD, C3 and Owens. Check out his
website on: www.g5.co.nz
We wish Gareth and all other Wellingtonians good luck and a great
race.
"Go the Wellingtonians - kick some butt up there".
 (pic.
by R. Lai)
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