There’s no doubt Lilly Collombet has returned from Belgium a better rider.

The 17-year-old, who is in year 13 at Trident, spent a month overseas competing in various races.

She said it was a thrilling opportunity that provided top-quality racing.

“It was an amazing experience; I got to develop a lot as a rider and gain valuable racing experience that is unique to European racing.  I loved the experience, and I am keen to head back to Europe next year.”

The experience helped her riding and gave her more confidence to back her ability.

“It was a really challenging level of racing, we were competing against people from all over the world like Team USA, Belgium and France and many other national teams.  

“The Watersley ladies challenge was a high-level competition as it was a Nation’s Cup race.  

“It was incredible to be able to push myself and go up against people from all over the world.”

Lilly loved the opportunity to see different countries.

“I loved the tours we did in France and the Netherlands. I enjoyed getting to race over several days. It was super challenging but super rewarding at the end. I particularly enjoyed racing in the Grand Prix du Valromey as we were racing in the French Alps. It was a challenge tackling the long climbs and descents, which I had never experienced before. We got fully looked after, all the meals done, mechanics to check our bikes, soigneurs making sure our bottles were done, and massages.”

She got to see some of the most spectacular cycling backdrops in the world.

“All the views and getting sixth in the Deinze Kermesse were my highlights.”

Now back in New Zealand, there’s no time for slowing down as the cycling season approaches.

Lilly placed third in the Northern Tour Hill Climb in Auckland for Winter Tournament, and fourth in the Individual Time Trial. She also has the Cycling New Zealand Secondary School Road Nationals later this month, before she heads to the South Island to tackle the Junior Tour of Southland at the beginning of October for the second straight year.

She said it was an incredibly valuable trip as she hopes to one day make it professional as a rider.

“I learnt so many valuable skills like positioning in bunches of up to 150 riders, using the team cars, using feed zones, nutrition, cornering at high speeds and descending.  

“Also learned what flatting life was like as we all lived together in the same accommodation.”

She said racing was more tactical and strategic than back here in New Zealand.

European results
■ Herenthout Kermesse UCI 1.16 (Belgium) 23rd
■ Grand Prix du Valromey Féminin I UCI 1.1 (France) 69th overall/28th best young rider
■ Grand Prix du Valromey Féminin II UCI 1.1 (France) 85th overall/32nd best young rider
■ Vrasene Kermesse UCI 1.15 (Belgium) 3rd junior/71st overall
■ Bundingen-Leenhaag Kermesse UCI 1.16 (Belgium)
■ Deinze Kermesse UCI 1.16 (Belgium) 6th
■ Watersley Ladies Challenge 2.NCUP (Netherlands) 80th overall/30th best young rider