Trident High School student Jacques Collombet is making a name for himself on two wheels, spending his time away from school competing on the national and international road cycling circuit.

Collombet has been riding competitively for only a couple of years but recently returned from a month and a half in Europe, where he raced and trained in Belgium and the Netherlands.

“It was quite the experience working with such large bunches of riders and how they move. The bunches are quite large compared to New Zealand, with up to 150 riders, and they are so much more compact.

“This is something you have to take into account, as road conditions can change from wide roads to skinny paths quickly, so if you’re not up the front, you’re stuck,” Jacques said.

Though his first European experience was valuable, Collombet crashed out on the second stage of the Watersley Junior Challenge in the Netherlands while racing with the RTX New Zealand team.

“That was a great race to enter, but I didn’t do too well in that one. While the result wasn’t the best, it was still a great learning experience racing over there,” he said.

Collombet credits his introduction to cycling to his sister Lilly when he was seven years old.

While Lilly was focusing on her road cycling career, Jacques initially took up triathlon before making the transition to road cycling when he realised it was his strongest discipline.

Although road racing is his primary focus, he also competes in XCO mountain bike events over summer as a form of cross-training and to keep fit.

Despite having competed in road cycling for only two years, Collombet is already building an impressive record, with top-10 results including sixth in the national Junior Tour and seventh in the Northern Tour.

Last weekend, Collombet competed at the national Secondary Schools Road Cycling Championships in the Manawatū region.

“I have raced this twice before. Last year I placed 18th, finishing just shy of the winner’s time as it was a bunch race to the line. This year I was hopeful for a podium spot and was leading the front group of 10 riders in the road race, but the weather closed in, resulting in a race cancellation.

“The points race was all right, finishing 12th. I was with the lead bunch, but there was a breakaway up the road of two riders that went to the finish, leaving us behind,” Jacques said.

Moving on from the Secondary Schools nationals, Collombet is now looking towards the Tour of Southland this weekend.

Gaining valuable experience is essential if Collombet is to progress towards his goals, and he has his sights firmly set on returning to Europe and, one day, earning a position on a professional team.

His ultimate dream is to earn a place at the World Championships and represent New Zealand.