Christian Wengler has done it again. After four days of racing in the Ford Samoa Cycle Challenge, he has defended his inaugural title. It was triple celebration for Wengler over the weekend as it was also his birthday on the final day of the Tour, and his partner Rebecca Marley won the women’s race. This is what he said at the end of race:
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Firstly, I’d like to say how happy I am to be back in Samoa and doing this event for the second time.
My goal was to come here as fit as possible, give it my all, and try to repeat my win from last year but try to ignore the pressure to “Defend my title”.
My build up wasn’t 100 per cent perfect (whose is?) but I arrived here and still thought I could do it.
I struggled on day one but my legs came right and I slowly felt better as the tour progressed. I think my legs wanted to race under that hot Samoan sun, which we never really got this year. They were slow to get going.
However, I’m absolutely stoked with the win, it really means a lot to me! I’d like to thank a few people.
The sponsor - Ford Samoa. It is not easy to run events, and it’s almost impossible without the support of a sponsor. Ford Samoa has been with this event from the start. Very supportive, and we have been lucky to have the use of some amazing vehicles. Thank you Ford Samoa.
Thank you to Seti for having the vision, courage and energy to make this event a reality. I hope it will go from strength to strength and keeps building on itself each year. Seti thank you for putting on another fantastic race in 2015.
As a rider all you want to worry about is jumping on your bike every stage, so I’d like to thank a few others who helped make that possible. Dylan (Tour bike mechanic), great to have you here, thanks for making my bike sing!
Sam (Nimarota), always there with great support, and making sure I didn’t accidentally go into the ladies toilets. To Scotty (ScottieTPhotography) and his apprentice Oscar, thanks for the incredible images.
Scotty you’re the voice of reason, a great guy to talk to, and all round good guy! Don’t forget to buy his book “What the Fat”. We could all eat a bit healthier, right?
To the riders. Steve (Gurney), what can I say? You pushed me all the way. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. You’re a tough bugger, and it was great to ride with the legend himself!
The locals, Darren, Daniel, Wolly, Greg. You guys are an inspiration. Keep getting those kids on bikes. But get some road bikes next time!
Tim (Robertson), you’re the smoothest rider I’ve ever seen! Great sock length too mate! I think you’ll be the man to watch next year.
The girls! Awesome to have three in the race. Some NZ races don’t even get that many. Great riding, you guys pushed it to the limit every day, and you have done yourselves proud this week.
The other palagis, Paul, Mariusz, Brent, Ray. I have enjoyed riding with you guys. You’re all at different stages in your riding careers and I can see you’re all making huge steps forward! I really hope to see you all back next year. I am excited to see the improvements!!
Rebecca (Christian’s partner and student) - Thanks for keeping me on track with training and eating well. It’s been great to share this experience with you! Great to see you ride so well. You must have a great coach!! Enough from me. Thanks again everyone.
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