Olympic Gold Winner Rides Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek

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Joining him on this adventure is his fiancé, Carolyn Smith whom he will marry next year September. Despite a few technical faults and injuries along the way, Thompson is relishing every stage of the race. He explains, "I train with my rowing team, the Lighty 4, forty-eight weeks of the year, so to get the chance to experience something like the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek is a rare and amazing opportunity."

 

Thompson has likened the feel in the race village to a smaller scale Olympic village describing the atmosphere between staff, supporters and riders as incredibly friendly. "The camaraderie between everyone involved and the riders in particular is very special. You really feel as if you are part of the family here."

 

James Thompson at the finish line of stage 1 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek after completing 103km. Photo: Karin Schermbrucker

 

Thompson, who has experienced major media attention since his team rowed to victory, says he and the team have been presenting at many corporate workshops and seminars. With the key to their success being ultimate team work, they are highly sought after to share their experiences. "The only way to ensure the best kind of team work is to communicate with and trust your teammates. The rest will follow," he explains, "but our mantra has always been 'give trust to earn trust' and that is something i have applied with my fiancé during this race."

 

While Thompson competes at the top level with rowing he is taking it a little bit easier with The Cape Pioneer Trek. "I'm not in the race to win," he explains, "I am just doing a sport i love with a great partner and this is definitely a race i would definitely return to. There is great route quality in the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek and while challenging, it has been a pleasure to participate."

 

Thompson will resume his rowing training in January 2013 with his sights on the Rowing World Championships to be held in Korea next year.

 

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