tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69787736474218021112024-03-14T14:22:54.684+10:00Rhys Willemse RacingRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-56344679300563462842012-03-02T19:46:00.002+10:002012-03-02T19:52:40.874+10:002012 Australian DH Championships<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiAKgz17wWwCjHRgZ9EzQyVSYmtcN4r1NsOHVqq8qLswG1-CCkQxMTlxCeKAASHZGqiybGRI_TABCMKbInhtqLPqnTaNegrk0ixZMMrYz0d5U40mNcQ6Ae_4k8QNY7Vqx9bmTedY8Ak0U/s1600/416798_344818062227878_218934308149588_1023073_950171370_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiAKgz17wWwCjHRgZ9EzQyVSYmtcN4r1NsOHVqq8qLswG1-CCkQxMTlxCeKAASHZGqiybGRI_TABCMKbInhtqLPqnTaNegrk0ixZMMrYz0d5U40mNcQ6Ae_4k8QNY7Vqx9bmTedY8Ak0U/s400/416798_344818062227878_218934308149588_1023073_950171370_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715235291947962722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlq0VK01QUxn_Ahun0PxuGIk3kalUsyOmQULZD7BvYJvMHV2VYiC7pto5o1i8Um076_yrHUESQ9IsZ82NURTsvfxNGFcBlIU7DgSKfuxIqg9sRFXLFS8ZJst_rcHLCY2BKC2hDruTjtiI/s1600/D3S1806.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlq0VK01QUxn_Ahun0PxuGIk3kalUsyOmQULZD7BvYJvMHV2VYiC7pto5o1i8Um076_yrHUESQ9IsZ82NURTsvfxNGFcBlIU7DgSKfuxIqg9sRFXLFS8ZJst_rcHLCY2BKC2hDruTjtiI/s400/D3S1806.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715235289413945778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia987cT8DWOlyX-keRjRvM9hd0nZ32s8kKPixqqdXvtL89aVyHBb2DEvgvzFg4epu04ojzgV1Z4SQ2dlmmGaJJYNujNsko5UDJy3yK5LoeM0qo9UUr_VYEdogBS0WH1vmFxVwf1ZZGWDLk/s1600/D3S1912-XL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia987cT8DWOlyX-keRjRvM9hd0nZ32s8kKPixqqdXvtL89aVyHBb2DEvgvzFg4epu04ojzgV1Z4SQ2dlmmGaJJYNujNsko5UDJy3yK5LoeM0qo9UUr_VYEdogBS0WH1vmFxVwf1ZZGWDLk/s400/D3S1912-XL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715235295704596546" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />The last 2 weeks have been a little crazy. I finalised my deal with Lapierre, Fox and Shimano just 2 weeks before heading to Adelaide for the 2012 Australian Mountain Bike Championships. My bike arrived on Wednesday, put the bike together with my new Shimano and Fox parts on the Thursday, thanks to Liam from FTR for your help and support, and drove the 20 something hour drive to Adelaide. <br /><br />I hadn't had the chance to ride my Lapierre or test my shocks until the first day of practice at the Championships. After a bit of fine tuning, I was ready to ride and did a few runs with my Unit team mate Chris Kovarik. All the pros were here to race, and it was good to see the best in Australia turn up for this event. World Champion Sam Hill was here, plus Bryn Atkinson, Jared Graves and Mitch Delfs. My first few runs were a bit hit and miss. The temperature had hit 41 degrees and man it was hot. The track was dry, slippery and dusty, and this made for some hairy moments for not only myself, but for most of the riders. <br /><br />Seeding day: Saturday was finally here and I spent most of the day still trying to get use to my new bike. Not one run was perfect, and I was starting to worry. Saturday afternoon came around and it was time to get the seeding done. I took off from the gate and spent most of my trip down the hill just trying to hang on. When I came across the finishing line, I ended up in 6th place with a time of 2.05.27, which was 4 secs off Troy Brosnan's time. I knew then things had better get better if I was going to be on that podium come Sunday. Beating Troy lately is hard enough, without having to race him on his own track, so i knew I was going to have to have to find something, to try to catch Troy<br /><br />Race Day: My first run and I was starting to feel something special for my Lapierre. Things were starting to click and although my runs weren't perfect, I was starting to feel confident. I didn't do too many runs that day as it was still hot, and I wanted to save my energy for the race. The time to race was now here and I got up to the starting gate and looked down the course. I told myself that it was "Now or never" and I just decided to go for it. I had put myself through enough hell over the years with putting too much pressure on myself, and this was the time things changed. It was time to go out there and have fun. That is exactly what i did. I relaxed and let my bike take me to the finishing line. Everything about my run was perfect. There was not one mistake and my whole run was smooth. I crossed the finish line with a time of 2.01.92. I sat on that hot seat and sweated my way through each rider coming across the line. One by one, I watched the pro's come down. Mitch hit the line with a 2.04.40. I was safe. Next it was Jared Graves turn. I think I held my breath as Jared hit the line with a 2.04.20. At that moment, I knew at worst I was going to come 3rd. Gotta be happy about that!! Next it was time for Sam Hill to come over the line with a time of 2.01.19. My time in the hot seat was up but all I could think about was how close I was to Sam Hill's time. I have to say that my confidence level went through the roof at that moment. Troy Brosnan ended up taking the win with a time of 1.59.05. To be standing on the podium beside Sam and Troy was a very proud moment. Finally I believe in myself and finally I deserve to be up there with the best. <br /><br /> Thanks to all my sponsors, Lapierre Australia, Fox Suspension, Shimano, Unit, FTR. <br /><br /><br />here is a video:<br /><br /><object width='500' height='281'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='AllowScriptAccess' value='always' /><param name='movie' value='http://www.pinkbike.com/v/243907' /><embed src='http://www.pinkbike.com/v/243907' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='500' height='281' allowFullScreen='true' AllowScriptAccess='always' /></embed></object>Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-87222036180321431912011-08-27T16:19:00.004+10:002011-08-27T18:15:26.109+10:002011 Val Di Sole World Cup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK4XmevU0un2IIEz714ahzJi4-VKXOFA5Sg7vz-AhaFubJxyiAtO3vNVVK6FiQPERXTEseXj8KwHwR9L9giDO22seck0N_50BSD_ON_DvrqpWIrUImsag2pL55EeNbmoUR9w_b6kaR7ij/s1600/IMG_4038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK4XmevU0un2IIEz714ahzJi4-VKXOFA5Sg7vz-AhaFubJxyiAtO3vNVVK6FiQPERXTEseXj8KwHwR9L9giDO22seck0N_50BSD_ON_DvrqpWIrUImsag2pL55EeNbmoUR9w_b6kaR7ij/s320/IMG_4038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645445887064264802" /></a>
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<br />Hi All
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<br />so after a month of training in whistler I headed over to Val Di Sole, Italy for the last round of the world cup series.
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<br /> The track looked promising, it was steep, rough and dusty and a whole lot of line choice! the first day of practice was good, I had solid runs all day but new lines were appearing by the seconds. After a few unexpected diggers, I was getting a hang of the track, and enjoying every run. Breathing in dust doesn't get any better!
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<br />By the time Friday came around it was time for qualies. My run was good and I kept it smooth and took it easy, and came in to 35th position. I was happy with that, as I knew I had some more time up my sleeve..
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<br />Sunday was race day, I had good runs all morning and was feeling confident, I knew that this track would suit me down to the ground, so I was more then ready for the final.. but straight of the gate my run didn't quite go to plan, I blew a pedal off the line and was trying to get clipped in down the start straight, got it back together and dropped into the steep section at the start, hit my line wrong and ended up a bit in no mans land. After that, I got everything together and just relaxed, came into the finish before I knew it, and I had put down a solid run in 3rd spot. After the finals were over I had ended up in 23rd position which I could not be more happy about, it has been my first world cup for the season and after a long break off the bike I was stoked, and also a good lead up to the World Champs!
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<br />This week I have been training in Morzine - France with the Australian junior team which has been a whole lot of fun, then heading off to Champery - Switzerland, on Monday to start preparing to ride for Australia at the World Championships.
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<br />I'll keep you posted on how training is going.
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<br />I just want to say a big thanks to Tomaso and Alberto Ancillotti from Ancillotti bikes. You guys believed in me and gave me a second chance to come there and ride your new Ancillotti DHY 2012. The new DHY 2012 is perfect! Thanks heaps for all you do for me. I really appreicate it and will never forget it.
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<br />Thanks also to, Dogannaccia, UFO, Renthal, Maxxis, Unit clothing, For the riders, Pro Yamaha, Style MX.
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<br />Check out the video of part of my race run!!
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<br />Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-56465552376126195952011-04-01T11:49:00.002+10:002011-04-01T11:55:26.349+10:00Unit Photo Shoot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm_y5mE0rPKjqgQPMMq3VbvVQpgRpFKfDFiCG_K-rCOHk1eDDGEZDAmCG_Pvt3lLfriXiTBJrMNb5WEBqBETotOs0i6c1td9rLYQXVHEuNQM7zhM-lj8VJsdxM27AYaSUFLEmvHvXBK3b/s1600/unit-party.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm_y5mE0rPKjqgQPMMq3VbvVQpgRpFKfDFiCG_K-rCOHk1eDDGEZDAmCG_Pvt3lLfriXiTBJrMNb5WEBqBETotOs0i6c1td9rLYQXVHEuNQM7zhM-lj8VJsdxM27AYaSUFLEmvHvXBK3b/s320/unit-party.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590427874828547426" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Here is one of the pics from the Unit Party Photo Shoot in December. We had 2 houseboats, 3 wakeboats, 2 helicopters and one big water ramp. Good times! <br /><br />I got to meet one of my favorite bands BLISS N ESO plus drink heaps with the Unit Sponsored riders and staff. <br /><br />Unit not only make the best clothing, but can throw a wicked party as well.<br /><br />Thanks Unit.<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-53463811813111863872011-03-22T21:23:00.005+10:002011-03-23T08:37:23.760+10:002011 Oceania Championships - Shepparton, Victoria.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4-LE7RZ99E_ZMzjYE9BFyrcnDjE4kN5w5d2I5qEdI5Jn4wdZBs9aIr1oVjbSo_KWCGI6yqms0OzV2ZPqzSyZCwJZxxtGuWmAxmIsCEdSEu7W9Dv1JhNNgzAPJfB-RnXp-KXise4BWV4l/s1600/193852_10150166518231096_683831095_8291812_3081739_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4-LE7RZ99E_ZMzjYE9BFyrcnDjE4kN5w5d2I5qEdI5Jn4wdZBs9aIr1oVjbSo_KWCGI6yqms0OzV2ZPqzSyZCwJZxxtGuWmAxmIsCEdSEu7W9Dv1JhNNgzAPJfB-RnXp-KXise4BWV4l/s320/193852_10150166518231096_683831095_8291812_3081739_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586873192354398114" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWeYbqzbBzuqP5z74LSVkiIpYtkQ4lJGTixZB34Zs4rsW6ncxaRSaxV55Vemj8bLsZxZ8jkvX8vv-l6kQJDex_3LPQJP9LHP23JIx3VFsy1KuBYHoMJaH4NDYvxY53FMmY7OiUGeRTNKX/s1600/Rhys-Willemse-Medal-shot-Shepparton.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWeYbqzbBzuqP5z74LSVkiIpYtkQ4lJGTixZB34Zs4rsW6ncxaRSaxV55Vemj8bLsZxZ8jkvX8vv-l6kQJDex_3LPQJP9LHP23JIx3VFsy1KuBYHoMJaH4NDYvxY53FMmY7OiUGeRTNKX/s320/Rhys-Willemse-Medal-shot-Shepparton.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586872362439704450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi0eYqYKfoNyigfLUTvl8FWdWFok5BFaDlVqGMVFdi4Hz_WAetzYlpOMK9eCaWoWgT3F9Vctn03oAOj_yiZgmn5owwKEP_PvSeFJLRF5abBkRgvNWaaiObu3NyPGcYE5VQquM8gdg4U4S/s1600/176784_10150166517776096_683831095_8291798_6548020_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi0eYqYKfoNyigfLUTvl8FWdWFok5BFaDlVqGMVFdi4Hz_WAetzYlpOMK9eCaWoWgT3F9Vctn03oAOj_yiZgmn5owwKEP_PvSeFJLRF5abBkRgvNWaaiObu3NyPGcYE5VQquM8gdg4U4S/s320/176784_10150166517776096_683831095_8291798_6548020_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586872359056386626" /></a><br /><br />Video of finals and my interview.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="270" id="mporaplayer_Y3jVGb5jQ" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" ><param name="movie" value="http://video.mpora.com/ep/Y3jVGb5jQ/"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://video.mpora.com/ep/Y3jVGb5jQ/" bgcolor="#000000" width="480" height="270" name="mporaplayer_Y3jVGb5jQ" allowFullScreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></object><br />More <a href="http://video.mpora.com/mountainbiking/">Mountain Biking Videos</a><br /><br /><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Just headed down to Shepparton in Victoria last weekend, to race against some of the best Aussie and Kiwi DH mountain bikers for the Oceania Title. <br /><br />I flew into Sydney on Wednesday morning and my mate Ryan Hunt picked me up and we drove the 7 hours to Shepparton. Practice was Friday and this was the first time I had ridden the track. The track was really dusty with alot of rocks and I'm pretty sure there wasn't one berm on the track. By qualifying on Saturday, the track was really chopped out and just to put together a smooth run was a mission on its own.<br /><br />Qualifying: I was the 6th last person in Elite to qualify and this meant 200 riders had gone before me and the track was really blown out. I started off at the gate and I did nothing but blow out all the turns and couldn't link up any sections. I spent most of the run sliding and stuff all pedaling. In the end I qualified in 7th place, which I must admit, I wasn't too upset because I knew I could approve alot on my run as long as I could put it all together in the finals.<br /><br />Finals: Sunday was a chilled day for me. I wasn't nervous at all. I somehow knew I could win this race if I could put it all together. The thought of racing against Cameron Cole, Josh Button and other big named riders, didn't phase me for once, and I had a inner confidence that I could do well. I got up to the start gate in my finals run and was super chilled out and it was almost like I was riding for fun and not an important race. I took off out the gate and ended up stuffing up one of the first few turns, and I ended up saying to myself "Chill out, don't worry about it and put it out of my head. Before I knew it, I was at the bottom of the track heading for the finishing line. Once I crossed the line, I looked at the board and noticed I was in first place. I sat on the hot seat and waited for the next 6 riders to come down. One by one the riders hit the finishing line and my time was safe. As the last rider come down, I was watching the timer count down and couldn't believe my luck, when I realised I had won. My first 1st Place in a elite race against some of the best riders in the world. I'm stoked!!!!!! <br /><br />I would like to thank my sponsors for all their support. Giant Australia, Fox Racing Shox/Tekin Suspension, Shimano, Fortheriders.com, Unit clothing and pro yamaha. <br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-47123138338845663822011-03-10T08:38:00.002+10:002011-03-10T08:42:04.397+10:00Underground Race 2Hi All,<br /><br />It was straight up underground format, so no number plates, no bunting, no insurance and no rules! Riders including Mitch Delfs, Ben Cory, Rhys Willemse, and a dozen other freakishly fast crew traveled from across Australia for the two day event. All taking place on a brand new track in a top secret location in the mountains of New South Wales. Timing was taken care of by FreeLap watches with an open jam format meaning any run on Sunday counted. This meant the anté was upped continually as day went on. In the end Ben Cory took top honors and a big handful of cash. Check out the webclip for more...<br /><br />Check out the magazine preview for Issue 22, which includes a full article on the event here:<br />http://issuu.com/holmes/docs/r_v22_preview<br /><br />Follow Revolution Mag on Facebook:<br />http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Revolution-MTB-Magazine/122440332999?sk=wall<br /><br />Filmed and edited by Ty Bowmaker (DownhillDomination):<br />http://downhilldomination.pinkbike.com/<br /><br /><object width='500' height='281'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always' /><param name='movie' value='http://www.pinkbike.com/v/185242/l/' /><embed src='http://www.pinkbike.com/v/185242/l/' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='500' height='281' allowFullScreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always'></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.pinkbike.com/video/185242/">Revolution Magazine: Underground 2</a> on <a href="http://www.pinkbike.com">pinkbike.com</a></p><br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-71259087330933550362011-03-07T13:56:00.004+10:002011-03-07T14:02:34.625+10:00For The Riders Grand Opening:Timmy and Tomac serving customers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOmfdicZfYtbS4jhE3-mOWXWdXxCr4o_zKHBQYE7XzPF7VkRAG2eOShXW-ua9cndQnPsAFOuZLgUYxaj3hIISeAX9H16saos4dBBu39itgwEceJJKH9Bn8un-9p5zCLZe8tbG8HWkEvSe/s1600/timmy-and-tomac.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOmfdicZfYtbS4jhE3-mOWXWdXxCr4o_zKHBQYE7XzPF7VkRAG2eOShXW-ua9cndQnPsAFOuZLgUYxaj3hIISeAX9H16saos4dBBu39itgwEceJJKH9Bn8un-9p5zCLZe8tbG8HWkEvSe/s320/timmy-and-tomac.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581183029485284498" /></a><br /><br />Chris and I relaxing:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9W-4AfUKHqJtOglQ32dVlB5YK8qJ81e7S7uOPp1xSc3NmSujpa23K9U9I2W7nx95eGeXug5VwyVFMmLh6-d-0DYX4ZdbGtlXgu4QLMHC9Xzvq9jvPMMwktBOr2KavjXLiAT7Vvbil6C8/s1600/chillin-on-couch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9W-4AfUKHqJtOglQ32dVlB5YK8qJ81e7S7uOPp1xSc3NmSujpa23K9U9I2W7nx95eGeXug5VwyVFMmLh6-d-0DYX4ZdbGtlXgu4QLMHC9Xzvq9jvPMMwktBOr2KavjXLiAT7Vvbil6C8/s320/chillin-on-couch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581183027045112578" /></a><br />Timmy and Tomac(Michael) have been mates of mine since I started riding. When I first met the guys,they were a tiny out-of-garage business in the bottom of Tomac’s parents house. I've just spent the last week helping move in to the new store. <br /><br />Their passion was mountain bikes and that passion grew into a small but pro shop in Brisbane. In between racing and riding, they grew the business and now have a strong online store presence. This past weekend they moved about 2km down the road into a larger space and man is it pimp!!!! <br /><br /> Just wanted to say congrats to them and that this shop is the Best Mountain Bike Shop in Australia! And not just because they are mates but for the professionalism they offer from product, customer service and mechanic work to just being there for the mountain bike community. For The Riders is really for the riders.<br /><br />Thanks guys for always supporting me.<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-6720672185502895522011-02-27T16:59:00.009+10:002011-03-03T10:20:46.490+10:00Aussie Champs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ay8WyE98SJ4DCuS01k_A_xf8ABX0Y6KfMEJNmWx8rYr9WBPrZbAddwF7O0uzhS8DslsmI-w3Hozx6KtJqUgFXvBRkgErYU4ukqpsFfH5pvqV-q-FTqYiXsA8CH1aw-hxrk6o-te0uu4i/s1600/p4pb6233946.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ay8WyE98SJ4DCuS01k_A_xf8ABX0Y6KfMEJNmWx8rYr9WBPrZbAddwF7O0uzhS8DslsmI-w3Hozx6KtJqUgFXvBRkgErYU4ukqpsFfH5pvqV-q-FTqYiXsA8CH1aw-hxrk6o-te0uu4i/s320/p4pb6233946.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578553624439584114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigO7VDDWt2sw0OthKemEDYu2uuoiVpB1pqcvuj5hago9Rpc9m4qrke2abxUFh56XN3PDHHaURDoq7IYMPbuGNAaDl_vTUY0gAi0zuvur9LIP4dkRDQPiTidBFy6c5E0n414vEFBXtK9ve/s1600/_MG_7368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigO7VDDWt2sw0OthKemEDYu2uuoiVpB1pqcvuj5hago9Rpc9m4qrke2abxUFh56XN3PDHHaURDoq7IYMPbuGNAaDl_vTUY0gAi0zuvur9LIP4dkRDQPiTidBFy6c5E0n414vEFBXtK9ve/s320/_MG_7368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578262908880855858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncvnteU9TdG_uHh2zUyoCKHaVPSI0oaMYR_Ofx_9raRnlzYfwz7z0w2zRn4Ernk_ipxZBryatd6HUE3pX1pTNcEPirr8auM-CNwRPXYz5VfdkryC8WVQTsUAEUlOW2QdANcCDDBDDtNAx/s1600/Wednesday038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncvnteU9TdG_uHh2zUyoCKHaVPSI0oaMYR_Ofx_9raRnlzYfwz7z0w2zRn4Ernk_ipxZBryatd6HUE3pX1pTNcEPirr8auM-CNwRPXYz5VfdkryC8WVQTsUAEUlOW2QdANcCDDBDDtNAx/s320/Wednesday038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578262905764130978" /></a><br /><br /><br />Video from Aussie Champs:<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="270" id="mporaplayer_3e874PJpH" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" ><param name="movie" value="http://video.mpora.com/ep/3e874PJpH/"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://video.mpora.com/ep/3e874PJpH/" bgcolor="#000000" width="480" height="270" name="mporaplayer_3e874PJpH" allowFullScreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></object><br />More <a href="http://video.mpora.com/mountainbiking/">Mountain Biking Videos</a><br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20556995" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20556995">2011 Australian DH National Champs</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6161413">Scotty Z</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Just got back from Adelaide after racing the Australian Championships. What a great weekend!<br /><br />I'm so happy to have place 4th overall. Its been a tough few months with broken bones, but I'm happy to say I'm back to near best and even though I made a couple of small mistakes in my race run, I was really please with this result. My confidence is coming back and I'm really looking forward to racing this year.<br /><br />Thanks again to my sponsors Giant Australia, Fox racing shox, Tekin suspension, Shimano, Unit Clothing, Pro Motorcycles Yamaha and For The Riders. Thanks for making my job so much easier.<br /><br />Here are the top 5 results:<br /><br />1. Michael Hannah, QLD, 2:02.36<br />2. Joshua Button, NSW, 2:04.27<br />3. Bryn Atkinson, ACT, 2:04.33<br />4. Rhys Willemse, QLD, 2:04.41<br />5. Ben Cory, ACT, 2:05.66<br /><br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-23136524124496972572011-02-21T21:07:00.002+10:002011-02-21T21:17:40.397+10:002011 Australian Champs - AdelaideHi All,<br /><br />Tomorrow I will be flying into Adelaide to take on the best in Australia this weekend. Sam Hill, Mick Hannah, Bryn Atkinson, Shaun O'Connor and Chris Kovarik are just some of the riders I will be competing against. I'm hoping for a top 5, but we'll see how I go. This is my first real race back from a broken arm, and I've been doing alot of training to get ready for this race.<br /><br />It's been a long hard road back but I'm finally fit and ready for this race. I won't be traveling overseas this year to race the world cups. I was going to ride for Ancillotti again but unfortunately they couldn't get the funding for the team. I didn't really try to find another team as I had decided to take this time to train, and race the aussie series and then head over to Canada for Crankworks with some mates. All my efforts will be getting ready for Canada where I plan to be at my fittest. I plan on getting noticed again like I did when I got that 13th Place at Maribor world cup as a junior 2 years ago. <br /><br />So I will be back, better than ever... I now have a point to prove to not only myself, but for teams to finally notice me as a rider with potential.<br /><br />Will keep you updated from Adelaide.<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-45026531116282255502010-12-10T13:15:00.000+10:002010-12-10T13:15:54.421+10:00Claire Buchar: Rhys Willemse Rider Profile<a href="http://clairebuchar.blogspot.com/2010/12/rhys-willemse-rider-profile.html?spref=bl">Claire Buchar: Rhys Willemse Rider Profile</a>: "Rhys asked me to do him up a rider profile/proposal after his mum saw one of the ones I've made for Chris Kovarik. Rhys is super talented, h..."Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-71105429470271378582010-12-05T17:50:00.000+10:002010-12-05T17:50:46.577+10:002009 UCI DH World Championships - Mt Stromlo, Canberra, Australiahere is a vid I found from the 2009 world champs. I'm featured 1.30 min into the vid. <br /><br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C6s91BLmPOU?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-74883251868952850332010-11-23T12:55:00.002+10:002010-11-23T13:08:44.591+10:00New Sponsors for Australian National Series!Hi All,<br /><br />I'm happy to announce that I'll be riding with new sponsors this Aussie season.<br /><br />My new sponsors are:<br /><br />Giant Bikes: I'm really looking forward to hitting the Aussie National series on a Giant.<br /><br />For The Riders: Thanks to the guys at FTR for always looking after my bikes and for helping me with sponsors.<br /><br />Shimano: really looking forward to riding with Shimano parts/brakes ect.<br /><br />Fox Racing Shox: Can't wait to be back riding with Fox forks and shocks. <br /><br />Tekin Suspension: Thanks to Tekin for looking after my suspension<br /><br />Last but not least: Unit Clothing. Loving the Unit clothing.<br /><br />I'll keep you all updated on my racing results this year. I've just got back from racing in Sydney. A full update of my results from the Sydney race will be in Revolution magazine next issue. <br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-17643650269493971112010-10-20T21:55:00.002+10:002010-10-20T22:03:45.127+10:00Long Overdue Update!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO72DU9FCoYZ_St7L0JnDziqq4zNSBHUVftTvdOndT8NoB7C75ZifBNV7Pu_4Pt43TqOELQAVHwAWltcNvTjHq2-Qv4_tN1qIYODtsNoQnkCO95QNuUGqGP7OhBMDLXxWCSXyiw3wsaQZm/s1600/73341_445366173526_702573526_5370340_965463_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO72DU9FCoYZ_St7L0JnDziqq4zNSBHUVftTvdOndT8NoB7C75ZifBNV7Pu_4Pt43TqOELQAVHwAWltcNvTjHq2-Qv4_tN1qIYODtsNoQnkCO95QNuUGqGP7OhBMDLXxWCSXyiw3wsaQZm/s320/73341_445366173526_702573526_5370340_965463_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530097683242413906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFMUjQLdR2yaLtWJaNify2ELaEgiqVrkcM8Rl2uoXxkwekMQ530UNYG4euZDPWxPzFg6OUxIwp96YYSNHN2F9XJpz7WWCrz6neQdMwnA05KkmtLG5eRmLuUdVncI-uIlQP8KQ6NxNb5cc/s1600/62360_436215538526_702573526_5197730_6452032_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFMUjQLdR2yaLtWJaNify2ELaEgiqVrkcM8Rl2uoXxkwekMQ530UNYG4euZDPWxPzFg6OUxIwp96YYSNHN2F9XJpz7WWCrz6neQdMwnA05KkmtLG5eRmLuUdVncI-uIlQP8KQ6NxNb5cc/s320/62360_436215538526_702573526_5197730_6452032_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530097678424456290" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Well I've finally got some news to tell you...<br /><br />Since arriving home, I've been recovering from my broken arm and that's all healed up well. Going into hospital on the 17th November to have the plates taken out of my arm. Leaving the plates in would mean more broken arms in the future, so its time to get them out. <br /><br />I managed to pick up a couple of more sponsors. Unit are still my main sponsor here in Australia. I've also picked up a Pro Yamaha sponsorship (See photos above) and for the Australian National DH Series, I will be riding for Giant... Thanks to FTR for hooking me up with the deal... <br /><br />I'm also happy to say that I will be heading back overseas again next year to race the world cups... I can't say who I'm riding for yet as I have to wait for the press release, but considering how shit my year was with injuries, you can't believe how happy I am to be given another chance... <br /><br />Will update when I know more.<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-76667978822422772392010-07-09T08:13:00.002+10:002010-07-09T08:21:32.653+10:00Bad News! I'm coming home.Hi All,<br /><br />Just had the worst news confirmed. <br /><br />The crash on Sunday caused my arm that had been broken to fracture again. When I went for a x ray 2 days ago, the x ray didn't show a hairline fracture. So I went riding yesterday and felt something go pop. I went back to the hospital tonight and had another x ray. This time is showed the break. The break is from the last screw of the plate they put in 10 weeks ago, and it goes up my arm to my elbow. <br /><br />Looks like I'll be coming home. If I'm out for 6 weeks, then it's not worth staying here because I will miss 2 world cups. <br /><br />This just tops off a season I would rather forget. I am devastated to say the least. <br /><br />This has made me more determined to come back next year with a whole new focus on achieving my goals. I will train hard through this off season and make up for a terrible 2010. <br /><br />I would personally like to thank Tomaso from Ancillotti racing. I feel like I have let you down. You have been great to me all through these hard times and for that I thank you. <br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-37713488909965953782010-07-09T07:45:00.006+10:002010-07-09T20:45:39.505+10:00Italian Cup Round 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4gBh0hyvvhL8tErkXiytVAQ0xkygZBhKHl4BwFujZfTMr0zim4zPt1rC8ssMrDoFCYzDBCXwU-fbhir66w4ZABt8FlkxhT9ySfD000Z0_jBHRVwZyAyKagY2ibh8x9Cf_C-J9juZNVqw/s1600/36934_127540317288150_100000965482223_133059_5678492_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4gBh0hyvvhL8tErkXiytVAQ0xkygZBhKHl4BwFujZfTMr0zim4zPt1rC8ssMrDoFCYzDBCXwU-fbhir66w4ZABt8FlkxhT9ySfD000Z0_jBHRVwZyAyKagY2ibh8x9Cf_C-J9juZNVqw/s200/36934_127540317288150_100000965482223_133059_5678492_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491658686006545170" /></a><br /><br />Hi All,<br /><br />So the past weekend saw the third round of the Italian Cup series at Campo Felice near to L'Aquila the Italian city that was ravaged last year by a huge earthquake.<br /><br />George and I made the trip to Rome and met up with another team mate Francesco Petrucci. We set up our team tent and all was going well until a helicopter decided to land in the car park. I saw our tent flying in the air while coming down the track from practice. Nothing worse than having to phone your team manager and tell him the tent is stuffed. Tomaso took the news well, but I hope it doesn't cost Tomaso alot to fix. <br /><br />I wasn't overly excited with this track, but riding it was different and after the first few runs I was into it ,some bits could of been better but it was really loose due to all the rocks which made it pretty fun.<br /><br />Qualifying went well and I ended up in 2nd place after Shaun O'Conner. I was feeling happy with that result. With all the bad luck I've been having this year, it was good to qualify 2nd, when you had riders like Shaun, Wyn and Matt Scoles, plus the 100 or so Italian riders. <br /><br />Final day came around and for once this season, I was feeling confident. I took off from the start gate and all was going well, until I came into the forest section, my wheel hit one of those loose rocks and sent me flying into a tree. The first thing I felt was pain in my arm that had just recovered from a break. I picked myself up, jumped back on my bike and came across the line in 6th place. Still not a bad result considering I crashed. <br /><br />The pain in my arm was bad and i knew something was wrong. More about that in a sec. here is a great photo of me during practice.<br /><br />Here are some videos. The first one is a helmet cam of me riding the track. One video is from the racing and one is from Wyn Masters. All great videos to watch.<br /><br /><object id="mpora_Z3v3GFtQx" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="480" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://video.mpora.com/p/Z3v3GFtQx" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://video.mpora.com/p/Z3v3GFtQx" width="480" height="315" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Two of the videos can be seen at this link: http://www.dhdvideomag.tv/Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-72854570109885769422010-06-26T15:44:00.001+10:002010-06-26T15:45:25.923+10:00Italian National cup round 2Hi All,<br /><br />I'm currently practicing for the Italian National cup here in Italy this weekend. Here is a video of practice.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Rhys<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BTRTK6wF8go&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=it_IT&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BTRTK6wF8go&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=it_IT&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-68937737939983206142010-06-22T22:22:00.004+10:002010-06-22T22:28:57.547+10:00Junior Sportsman of the year awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5TZIP_XGFEeOyLBWox56FG98bASAm2x8BYQEyHsuOQ3lpwWosAHPenRwcCs32biPdR5PEinUBbWg5DMpZ33-1wMWfPEw63x7Q-__I-e9tcZS-4V0bfBDlzquzzeE1CB_F5YfSszgDaCg/s1600/e342408ca74710a8c4184dc6efede0b6_resized.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5TZIP_XGFEeOyLBWox56FG98bASAm2x8BYQEyHsuOQ3lpwWosAHPenRwcCs32biPdR5PEinUBbWg5DMpZ33-1wMWfPEw63x7Q-__I-e9tcZS-4V0bfBDlzquzzeE1CB_F5YfSszgDaCg/s200/e342408ca74710a8c4184dc6efede0b6_resized.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485573882960252850" /></a><br />before I left to go overseas, I was nominated for a Sports Star of the year awards. My parents went to the formal awards night last Saturday night. I'm happy to say that I won and I am now the junior sports star of the year. This is the second year in a row, So I'm stoked. <br /><br />Cheers<br />Rhys<br /><br />The photo is mum accepting my award.Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-47247832703124052352010-06-22T22:13:00.002+10:002010-06-22T22:21:41.859+10:00Leogang Qualifying<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqio1wFOJy11RYIKFGCoP2TPj7M7EZ9jCI_x2AAykqN2cpOeP3zbYUz_42RzSKLWvqNJ7xvep9F_f-vyCJtC1yjrHk3qAVyyzO2zi6RVbwpZtjT2RgojrK7S9TtrlmQ9z5AnIGX9ZjMAyZ/s1600/+Rhys+Come+back+sat.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqio1wFOJy11RYIKFGCoP2TPj7M7EZ9jCI_x2AAykqN2cpOeP3zbYUz_42RzSKLWvqNJ7xvep9F_f-vyCJtC1yjrHk3qAVyyzO2zi6RVbwpZtjT2RgojrK7S9TtrlmQ9z5AnIGX9ZjMAyZ/s400/+Rhys+Come+back+sat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485572119972078434" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Qualifying didn't go so well this weekend. I noticed everyone was crashing in practice. It had been raining hard for most of the weekend, and the track was muddy and slushy. So I decided I would take it easy in qualifying. I thought whoever can make it down the hill without crashing, would finish in the top 80 and qualify. I made it down alright without crashing but I made a big mistake. I didn't go hard enough and I ended up in 86th spot. Not going to make that mistake again.<br /><br />I didn't have any problems with my arm all week. It looks like its healed up nicely. One thing I did notice is that my arm is still a bit weak, so I'll be building it back up before the next world cup in 4 weeks time. My fitness was also suffering a bit, plus riding in the mud made me realise that alot quicker. <br /><br />So my plan now is to put in the training and work on building up my arm... Can't wait for the next world cup. <br /><br />Cheers<br />Rhys<br /><br />Heres a pic of be before qualifying. I only wish I had a moto to ride in that mud.Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-31487165440829928892010-06-18T07:49:00.002+10:002010-06-18T07:54:13.717+10:00Leogang Track Walk!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IA6SkiiYHD6Z9zllRm1iFLm4zndq_TGH_ODlTKptFlWYpBDu_UqangORlAI4a-f-MPq1ebzP0QrUhDLvqpwBSKEJ7dGs6X3pJ09D7yu20DXzAbR2lSj8yHHT38diJa9CrZMqVh9n38w1/s1600/p4pb5218777.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IA6SkiiYHD6Z9zllRm1iFLm4zndq_TGH_ODlTKptFlWYpBDu_UqangORlAI4a-f-MPq1ebzP0QrUhDLvqpwBSKEJ7dGs6X3pJ09D7yu20DXzAbR2lSj8yHHT38diJa9CrZMqVh9n38w1/s400/p4pb5218777.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483864214298880914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHX_x6nGNeAOUs3NwXVG7y5806e33L2bFMVOrwu1dqYiNYnjYDlxc0vc65WrMAz0a7FIhcew0t6zRNudUZI03AxlTzCOgZPiihR4ul3E3qAvnPoPJZiFsb_vBRftNO5DSctaw5VzELrkF/s1600/p4pb5218762.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHX_x6nGNeAOUs3NwXVG7y5806e33L2bFMVOrwu1dqYiNYnjYDlxc0vc65WrMAz0a7FIhcew0t6zRNudUZI03AxlTzCOgZPiihR4ul3E3qAvnPoPJZiFsb_vBRftNO5DSctaw5VzELrkF/s400/p4pb5218762.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483864207599608914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm2aiJssrERxuxtiLWVgphn3NI1nFBLxtNvsDUe-ZGLchJ7_jL7rl59cMH2DnxOdGBFHL9CTWchF6Uh5RlddAkX1pWp7JqkpY_HWTrrq3L6DfRmvbYa3D53lctlDJ42zZlraO9OQqWok7/s1600/p4pb5218755.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm2aiJssrERxuxtiLWVgphn3NI1nFBLxtNvsDUe-ZGLchJ7_jL7rl59cMH2DnxOdGBFHL9CTWchF6Uh5RlddAkX1pWp7JqkpY_HWTrrq3L6DfRmvbYa3D53lctlDJ42zZlraO9OQqWok7/s400/p4pb5218755.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483864206236131442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV3PqwURXF99pmGbSfESKWz7cbO-RFT0JkQblCU-13aaABgaWEDTFqD6Fmd9EElh1XMpRJ5VXGlZWnj1CKGN2IJUFkcZaoTTFuhyxb0x5taGgmgEoPEEL3PsKEeqMA4mGpCYi1wHSBo72/s1600/p4pb5218754.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV3PqwURXF99pmGbSfESKWz7cbO-RFT0JkQblCU-13aaABgaWEDTFqD6Fmd9EElh1XMpRJ5VXGlZWnj1CKGN2IJUFkcZaoTTFuhyxb0x5taGgmgEoPEEL3PsKEeqMA4mGpCYi1wHSBo72/s400/p4pb5218754.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483864194200745826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvP6LIK54InQLJNqDtTj9PGJ33b22O2GrrFbEMgZbHewMMp6KUBV8Uy3DNFxH8UdrrTSPvfN4R7r0W_Ku8BiQ6VVntt480iKh5AZTb6akLf0c2NonVq-NhyUxCGC8rug-1QDrgHBEz-V5/s1600/p4pb5218746.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvP6LIK54InQLJNqDtTj9PGJ33b22O2GrrFbEMgZbHewMMp6KUBV8Uy3DNFxH8UdrrTSPvfN4R7r0W_Ku8BiQ6VVntt480iKh5AZTb6akLf0c2NonVq-NhyUxCGC8rug-1QDrgHBEz-V5/s400/p4pb5218746.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483864189848205474" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Here are some pics from the track walk today. <br /><br />I'm the one wearing the Unit clothing and blue Unit hat..<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-50686033578667988702010-06-13T22:04:00.002+10:002010-06-13T22:07:47.720+10:00Leogang World Cup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdnCfTznNGcs2QFI3QthjOCgszXq6dGC_KQTlyar9XxR5S55JIzJx0anjVicCLB5_noeYzzMgE_NZ-8fOaeF9GI29iesehaYGoFjXajE6q0qiN7xYVQ3lF_C74ayJekQ4D02RA5oBAtLe/s1600/DSCF3631.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdnCfTznNGcs2QFI3QthjOCgszXq6dGC_KQTlyar9XxR5S55JIzJx0anjVicCLB5_noeYzzMgE_NZ-8fOaeF9GI29iesehaYGoFjXajE6q0qiN7xYVQ3lF_C74ayJekQ4D02RA5oBAtLe/s400/DSCF3631.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482228751846978770" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Just got the good news that my broken arm is now fixed and I'm looking forward to racing my first world cup in Leogang, Austria next weekend.<br /><br />I've been out of action now for 6 weeks, with only being able to ride some cross country and a stationary bike for training. It felt so good to get back on my mountain bike on Monday and ride a real downhill track again. On Friday my team mate George and I headed up to Leogang to spend a week training on the world cup track. I'm hoping to know this track inside out by the time the world cup teams turn up in the next 5 days. <br /><br />The pressure has been put on me for this race, as I've just found out that I need to produce a top ten result if I want to make the Australian team this year. If I don't make the team, this will be the first time in 2 years that I haven't represented Australia at the World Championships. After breaking my femur 6 months ago and now my arm, its going to be a big ask, but I love a challenge, and this could be just what I needed to push all the limits to achieve my goal of riding for Australia again. <br /><br />To help me try to achieve my goal, Ancillotti racing team have built me a new frame pacifically for this world cup in Leogang. Its a longer lighter frame which will help me go faster on a track like Leogang. The track is fast and technical and the longer frame will hold the speed needed to get down the course in the quickest time. Here is a pic of me holding my new frame.Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-20993197511701897322010-06-10T12:02:00.003+10:002010-06-10T19:00:48.352+10:00Update:Hi All,<br /><br />Well all is good. I started riding again on Monday. My arm feels good and no pain whatsoever. <br /><br />George and I will be driving up to Leogang (Austria) on friday. We will stay there for 7 days practicing on the world cup track. I have one race to get it right to make the Australian team for this years world champs in Canada. <br /><br />Its all or nothing at the Leogang world cup in 2 weeks from now. <br /><br />Will update after qualifying in 2 weeks from now.<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-41144145120315225792010-06-04T07:19:00.003+10:002010-06-04T22:50:39.481+10:00Another Injury Update!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmRtkI_JBslYVo0C6Vh9A-hxzqmcFnOSa2aCCGH-f4v7tkAT0tqjfSQqaoj0O16fD9q-DHo0TXP9Hxk0OP4CLZ9oZSZzUmIZVA7bMbTeO3CR820aVma3WO_S_8y7ICp3mvEOKVLLmowI6/s1600/fort+william+006.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmRtkI_JBslYVo0C6Vh9A-hxzqmcFnOSa2aCCGH-f4v7tkAT0tqjfSQqaoj0O16fD9q-DHo0TXP9Hxk0OP4CLZ9oZSZzUmIZVA7bMbTeO3CR820aVma3WO_S_8y7ICp3mvEOKVLLmowI6/s400/fort+william+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478899784009091954" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Well I'm here in Fort William, Scotland with my team.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I will be watching from the sidelines. I went to the doc after Maribor and xray's showed that I needed another 20 days for my arm to heal. The 20 days are up on the day of the finals here in Fort William. I chose not to risk it, and will wait until Leogang to make a come back. This will give me two weeks of training once we get back to Italy.<br /><br />Just to add some more pressure, I have to get a top 10 in Leogang if I want to make the Australian Team this year. I missed the cut back home in Australia this season, because I was out with a broken femur. Thanks to the broken arm, I now have to give everything I've got in Leogang. It's hard to make the Australian team because we have so many talented riders. I believe that if I can pull off a result like I did in Maribor (13th) last year, then I can be in with a chance. My fitness may let me down but I've always enjoyed a challenge. So bring it on!!!!!!!<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-47050636541743548092010-05-11T15:15:00.002+10:002010-05-11T15:18:17.772+10:00Injury Update!All is going well with my broken arm. <br />I got the cast off last week and 30 something stables taken out. <br />The news so far is that I should be right to ride again 3 days AFTER Maribor world cup. Still sucks that I'm going to miss Maribor but at least I will be right for Fort William.<br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-14470222546131031112010-04-27T22:02:00.003+10:002010-04-27T22:13:11.242+10:00Bad News: Won't be racing Maribor world cup.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW_7dVi0BfXPsnzKes_PfSBfn6iVZGp0HzkTrLoGzwEjR0yKjNprAtYT9k0lywhOgIKheXaZ0lOdyIlIPLCR7slsRzFvPZLJx_QPAfMLqRMCJXpnSFKrO4RqbFgM-4CxLzlcuX9_8HgLG/s1600/rhys_manicure.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW_7dVi0BfXPsnzKes_PfSBfn6iVZGp0HzkTrLoGzwEjR0yKjNprAtYT9k0lywhOgIKheXaZ0lOdyIlIPLCR7slsRzFvPZLJx_QPAfMLqRMCJXpnSFKrO4RqbFgM-4CxLzlcuX9_8HgLG/s400/rhys_manicure.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464788778126584242" /></a><br />Hi All,<br /><br />Yep, got some more bad news. As if breaking my femur and hand 7 months ago wasn't enough, I've now broken my arm. <br /><br />I had been in Italy for 6 days when we were doing some test runs on our Ancillotti bikes. Just got to the last run of the day when I was near the bottom of the hill, coming around a berm, my arse end slid out and down I went. As I put my arm up to get back up and on the bike, my team mate came around the berm and accidentally run over my arm. <br /><br />The end result was two broken bones just above the wrist. I spent 3 days in hospital having surgery to pin my arm back together. Tomaso Ancillotti made sure he got me the best surgeon in Florance. The surgeon did a great job but the scariest thing was being awake while they screwed my arm bad together. I did manage to sleep through 3/4 of the operation though...lol<br /><br />The good news is I will only be out for 4 weeks. The bad news is that I will miss Maribor, and I've been looking forward to this race since finishing 13th there last year.<br /><br />I've had my fair share of bad luck over the last 7 months, and now its time for me to go through another 2 years without another injury. *fingers, arms, legs crossed*<br /><br />Here is a pic of me in a cast. The Italians are really looking after me by giving me a manicure....lolRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-89508786606099266672010-04-17T16:43:00.001+10:002010-04-17T16:46:11.853+10:00Team Ancillotti in Italy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ31UFlYATVhBRhKRGxvSGwIthdVxROcZbKXmT70_nu_n9dEVU5a_lLKddd8UtjIi0J8Fz7FVItC6k3qG0An9RZ0Fvs_duPr8K4ktUv0aKVTyppbpj9zxsE3nSTCeFI7sAX7Sx-wxdwCZ/s1600/Rhys_table.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ31UFlYATVhBRhKRGxvSGwIthdVxROcZbKXmT70_nu_n9dEVU5a_lLKddd8UtjIi0J8Fz7FVItC6k3qG0An9RZ0Fvs_duPr8K4ktUv0aKVTyppbpj9zxsE3nSTCeFI7sAX7Sx-wxdwCZ/s400/Rhys_table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460993976691392578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeyX8Ksfq43eqcmGRD3QCyanDhJr-EGQkgUco5xO0sXbYeijV7RKuaubWtnGyy1WxeoxFVapnxiD2QuDjFe0yRM_WrpjrukiuPv2HYGAE_f-8LCQ9ZWM1AO3PibF-Mbl6OQYuBCIjmz8r/s1600/Geroge-Rhys.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeyX8Ksfq43eqcmGRD3QCyanDhJr-EGQkgUco5xO0sXbYeijV7RKuaubWtnGyy1WxeoxFVapnxiD2QuDjFe0yRM_WrpjrukiuPv2HYGAE_f-8LCQ9ZWM1AO3PibF-Mbl6OQYuBCIjmz8r/s400/Geroge-Rhys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460993973292314866" /></a><br />Here is a photo of George and I in our new racing gear.Rhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978773647421802111.post-33358945298173368132010-04-12T08:37:00.002+10:002010-04-12T08:43:59.440+10:00Leaving for Europe Today!Hi All,<br /><br />I'm 3 hours away from leaving on a jet plane. My bags are packed and I'm ready to go.<br /><br />Its been a tough 6 months since returning home from Europe late last year. Breaking my femur/hand/finger in October, didn't help my training preparations much before Christmas. I finished 6th in the Australian Champs in January, and that wasn't too bad considering it was my first race in a while. <br /><br />So now I'm off to Italy to start training for the world cup season.. I'm hungrier than ever to get a good result at Maribor. I finished 12th there last year, so hoping for a top ten result this year. I'm really looking forward to racing on the world cup tracks this year. They are all challenging and technical tracks and that suits me just fine. <br /><br />I will keep you all updated on my results and hopefully Mum will track down photo's of me from each race and I will add them to my write ups.<br /><br />Thanks must go to my sponsors, Ancillotti Racing team, Unit Clothing and FTR.<br /><br />Goodbye everyone and keep your fingers crossed for me to have a top season.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Rhys<br /><br /><br />Cheers<br />RhysRhys Willemsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894667634800696565noreply@blogger.com0