Te Awamutu’s Jan-Maree Pool rounded out the New Zealand Cross County Series on Saturday with a win in the women’s class, making it a four-from-four clean sweep for the series as she won the 2016 Women’s Cup.

She edged out fellow women Ellie Tilson and Jane Roberts; there is no denying that Pool is on form this season.

The series kicked off in the small North Island town of Huntly where she first asserted her dominance. She was then able to continue this throughout the remaining rounds in Mosgiel, Taranaki and finally at the rocky track in Nelson.

This babe looks like a girl, and she definitely rides like a girl – something that only some boys would dream of! Over the series, Pool gave a number of the boys a run for their money and showed that her hard work, skills, determination and pure grit were a force to be reckoned with.

Pool’s humble character is warming. The community of girls that ride is small, so it is awesome to see people like Jan-Maree Pool, who have been in the sport for a while, supporting and encouraging those of all ages.

Pool has been riding since she was a young girl. After taking a short break to bring her son Jax into the world, she was back on the bike. She has a great support network of family and friends who help to look after Jax while she works, trains and races, for which she is very grateful.

You can’t fake passion, fire and a love of this sport. You either have it or you don’t, and this girl has it!

Words by Jane Roberts, www.BikesportNZ.com

Pit photo by Loren Stockley

Main photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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