Help me represent New Zealand at the 2018 Junior Worlds Track Championships, Switzerland

Hello,

My name is Annamarie Lipp I'm 17 years old and in my last year of high school. I started riding about 4 years ago, competing in both Road and Track Cycling. My first proper race was through schools cycling. I was put right down in girls F grade, and I think I managed about 4th or 5th, but ever since that day I've been hooked on competing, and just the love of the sport of cycling.

I compete on road as part of the Velo Project Womens cycling team, in the Calder Stewart Cycling series and other elite and under 19 events. Racing as part of the team has been a really great learning opportunity for me to grow as a rider and a person

In November 2017 I competed at Oceania Track Championships, racing for my first time as part of the New Zealand team, taking away two silver medals. This event set the foundation for my track season. At the Elite and under 19 Track Nationals I was able to come away with successes that far exceeded my exceptions, coming away with 1 Silver, 2 Bronze and 1 Gold medal.

This is my last year as a Junior Cyclist before heading into Elite racing, and I really want to make the most of every opportunity I can. Being selected to be part of the New Zealand team at Junior World Track Championships is the highest level that you can perform at as a Junior track cyclist; and is what I have been working towards for many years as it is something I have dreamed of doing. But sadly dreams do not come cheaply and Junior Cycling is predominantly self-funded.

This would be my second time racing overseas as part of the New Zealand team (the previous time in Tasmania at the Oceania Road Championships). I've put a lot of work into my Cycling. I am not the most talented rider out there and sport doesn't come quite as naturally me to as it does to other people. I am where I am today because of the work I've put in; and will continue to put in. I have had my fair share of success, but more importantly my share of disappointments, as these are the races that shape us as people, and are the ones you learn from to become a better rider.

It is determination that drives me and will continue to motivate me throughout this adventure.