Lizzie Orchard cracks the top 10 – twice!

Last we checked in with Lizzie Orchard, she was coming off a successful early year race program looking to build again for the Xterra World Championships in November. As many New Zealanders know, it’s difficult to stay focused and train hard throughout winter ready to come out in fighting best form – especially against Americans and Europeans who are peaking at the end of their season. As part of her race preparation, Lizzie travelled to Xterra Japan in August and to the ITU Cross Tri World Champs in Italy (September).

‘Japan is amazing. Since visiting when I was 10 years old I’ve always wanted to go back. This was a great opportunity to see the country, beautiful people, and experience the delicious food again’ says Lizzie. The race was held in the high mountains of Hokkaido, Lizzie clinched 2nd Pro behind reigning champion Mieko Carey. ‘We were recommended to wear Bear Bells while riding. That was an interesting addition to my race kit! ’.

Sardinia hosted the ITU Cross Tri World Champs. Lizzie placed 21st Pro last year on a borrowed bike, and was determined to jump up the ranks this time. ‘I was a bit cold in the swim but warmed up half way through the ride and felt really strong by the run’. Lizzie posted fastest T2 and 3rd fastest run on the day behind multiple Olympians Flora Duffy and Barbara Riveros. 9th place was Lizzie’s first ever top 10 Elite World Champs finish.

Xterra World Champs brings together over 800 athletes from 43 countries. ‘It’s the toughest race of the year. A great course to test your skill, strength, and nutrition planning’. The 30km bike alone has over 2800 feet of climbing on the West Maui mountains. ‘Ever since I started racing Xterra it’s been my dream to be top 10 in Hawaii, I came out of the water in 7th and thought this is a great start! Felt good on the climbs and confident on the descents, passing a couple of girls before being overtook which meant I was riding in 6th' Lizzie expected  the stronger bikers to come by, but the miles ticked past and they just didn’t come 'I couldn’t believe my luck’. Lizzie again had fastest T2 and started the 10km run – her favorite of the three disciplines in 5th. The run course is an unrelenting climb up to a lake before weaving down through elephant grass with a soft sand beach run to finish. ‘I was so thrilled to hear the excited cheers from the kiwi supporters. Best thing about racing in Hawaii is getting Lei’d at the finish line !’. Lizzie admits that 5th in the world will take a while to sink in. ‘I wish my neighbor Josie could have been there – she is the one who introduced me to Xterra. We will celebrate back home’.  

On her awesome improvements and race results this year – ‘The delight and support from my friends, family, and Xterra family has been amazing. A big shout out to Asics NZ, The Tooth Fairy, Leppin Sport and Robert Harris who help me get where I’m going. I’ve loved the journey this year and am feeling really optimistic about the future’. Next up a well-deserved break. Race schedule planning is underway - bring on 2016.

Follow Lizzie at: www.lizzieorchard.com