NZ cyclist joins the Army

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 407, 8 October 1991, Page 7

NZ cyclist joins the Army

BY

JO

'HOWIE

A champion New Zealand cyclist is three weeks into his basic recruit training at Waiouru Camp. Mike Moulai has committed himself to the demanding basic training as a new recruit for 10 weeks, as well as taking on training for the New Zealand Cycling Track Champs in March next year. To complete his initial recruit training he needs to complete his 10 week basic recruit training, then 10 weeks corps training. "The basic training is challenging, with little time to do much else. The recruits work from 6:15am until 9pm. They cover all areas of basic soldiering," said

Sergeant Major Ahipene. The army has made allowances for Mike's cycling training. He's been allocated one hour in the , gym working on weights each night and time in the weekend for road work on his bike. "Ideally, I should be doing 500 - 550 kilometres a week on my bike. My coach said to do what I can. The gym work is good for base strength. The weight room has all the equipment I need, it's great. We do a lot of physical training each day, so when I finish my basic, I'll be fit." 'The physical training instructors have offered me their bikes, and I have access to a roller machine. Sgt Maj Ahipene said recruits average eight physical training lessons a week, including swimming, circuit training, rope work, cross country and endurance training. Mike hopes to join the Electrical Mechanical Engineer

Corps. After his basic training, he will do his corps training in Wellington. "Training in Wellington should be a lot easier with a lot more spare time," Mike said. Some of Mike's achievements include: nine National Champ wins and the NZ Road Nationals in 1989; he was a member of the winning pursuit team in the 1989 Track Nationals; he won the bronze medal over 2,000 metres individual pursuit; won the kilometre time trial in the 1991 track Nationals. Mike's next aim is to do well in the New Zealand Track Champs in Christchurch in March. He has already achieved the qualifying time for the Olympics at the World Champs in Colorado, but still needs to do well in Christchurch. Mike's main event is the one kilometre time trial. Mike said it was time he decided upon a stable career, and already he's enjoying army life.