Monique Brake of Ashburton has been named Cycling New Zealand’s 2024 Masters Women’s Track Cyclist of the Year.
It recognises her exceptional performances, passion for the sport, and dedication to growing cycling in her community.
The accolade was announced via the Cycling New Zealand Road Track & Cylcocross Facebook page.
Brake, 43, who is now in training for World Championships in France in October, said she found out on Sunday with a few notifications on her phone.
It was a big surprise, she said.
‘‘I just felt really honoured, to be completely honest,’’ she said.
‘‘There was someone who had won a couple of world titles, so there are some pretty talented Masters female athletes in New Zealand, that are world class.’’
Those in the category of Masters female athletes were aged 35 years plus, and last season – just Brake’s third in the sport – she claimed 10 national titles (eight on the track and two on the road), a national silver and two silver medals at the World Championships in France last year.
Brake, who trains with coach Terry Gyde, said her own personal highlight during the year was her record-breaking ride at the Masters individual pursuit at the National Championships in March.
‘‘It was 2minutes 26seconds which made me the fastest-ever Masters woman in New Zealand.
‘‘That time would have been fast enough for world title in October in France, so it’s a big confidence boost.’’
Brake’s training regime included 10 to 15 hours a week on the bike, depending on the time of year, and three hours gym work. There is also a ‘‘fair bit of travel as well’’, she said.
‘‘Six out of seven days I am on the bike and one of those days is usually a road race in Timaru or Ashburton or Christchurch, depending on the time of year.
‘‘One of those days is usually a hill ride in Christchurch, and then the rest of them are many, many hours of just pedaling.’’
Between now and October, Brake said she was in training for the World Champs in France this October.
‘‘I think it’s looking good,’’ she said, of the 2025 season so far.
‘‘I’m training hard and focused on going back to World Champs in October.
“Quite a bit of racing in between now and October just on the road, building up a bit of endurance, a few trips to Cambridge to the indoor velodrome for training and racing. Pretty much following my coach’s instructions.’’
Brake said even though her cycling was an individual sport she was thankful for the support of those around her.
‘‘It takes more than one person to make it all come together, so I am amazingly blessed with all the support I have around me, from friends to family, coaches etc,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m really lucky.’’
Cycling New Zealand (CNZ) said Brake started her cycling journey in downhill mountain biking before transitioning to road in 2022.
She quickly found her true calling on the velodrome under the guidance of Gyde.
‘‘The rewards have been awesome,’’ Brake said.
‘‘I kind of wish I had found it sooner, I love it. It suits me.’’
Brake, representing Canterbury Track Cycling Club, has broken her own national record in the 2000m individual pursuit and established herself as a force on the boards.
CNZ said her campaign at the 2024 Masters World Track Cycling Championships in Roubaix was a standout, earning silver medals in both the pursuit and the points race.
‘‘Off the track, Monique and husband, Paul, support local cycling through their Ashburton bike shop, the Tinwald Cycling Club, and initiatives like the Holmes Solutions Fixxie Chicks, promoting women’s racing and community causes.
“Monique’s energy, commitment, and success make her a truly deserving recipient of this award – and a role model for Masters athletes nationwide.’’
