You are here: home » blogs » Zak Dempster's New Season
Zak Dempster's New Season
by Zak Dempster | 04/01/10
Here we all sit in anticipation of a new season. For me it signals a start with a new team which I couldn’t be happier about. My experiences of 2009, albeit different, weren’t the most rewarding of my career thus far. The positive thing is I came through still on my bike, pedalling forward. I feel very glad that John [Herety] has faith enough in my ability to bring me onto the Rapha Condor Sharp roster – faith I intend on repaying.
It’s probably a good idea I give you a brief run down of my career so far. Like most Australians, I come from a track background, I fancied myself as a good points rider but was steered in the direction of the all important Team Pursuit. I went to the World Championships at 19 and then struggled to get back into the team, even after riding times 7 seconds faster than some of the Australian quartet in Beijing. During the time I was with the AIS track program I began to realize that my passion and strengths lie on the road. For me, the track couldn’t elicit the same emotion and passion that I had for racing out on the open road. There’s no feeling like letting it go down the gutter, making it hurt for everyone else, getting over another rider within metres of the line – all emotions I was longing for when I was riding round in circles.
After realising the focus the AIS was keen for me to take was different to what I was hoping for in my career, I made the move to Belgium. I raced for a Bulgarian squad named Cycling Team Bourgas that promised ten times more than a Bulgarian mafia boss ever intended to deliver. The lies for not receiving our pay cheques became unbelievable; “I think the accountant is dead“. The Belgian staff and riders were really great, but when there’s no money, it wears everyone down. To make things even better I picked up an intestinal parasite in Turkey that saw me lose 6 kilograms, when your 6“3 at 78kg, then you loose 6kg – you know about it. I’m really glad this season came to an end to be completely honest.
Everytime I’ve raced in Britain, I raced well. The Tour of Britain is one of my favourite races, racing in France is something I’m looking forward to immensely – France is a cool place to race.
When I was about 16 – the British national team brought their U23’s to Bendigo, my home town. Two members of that team ended up returning every summer and I’ve enjoyed the company and friendship of Tom and Kristian since then. Even though I tell everyone they just bloody come out here to steal all our Sheila’s (Australian ladies). I’m looking forward to racing on the same squad as them, as well as Darren, my friend Dean Windsor (the other new Australian recruit) and Dan Craven who I lived near when I was based in Northen Italy for the 2007/2008 seasons. I know the majority of my teammates already and I’m eager for the adventures ahead.
I’m looking forward to throwing my leg over a Condor bike on January 1st, putting on some Rapha kit and not so long after lining up in my first race. And in light of recent events; perhaps finishing off the afternoon in front of a Sharp flatscreen?
Photo credit: www.dailypeloton.com
