We asked three-time Grand National Cross Country Champion Tayla Jones a few quick questions about life in America under the current circumstances.
ADB: How was your year going before Coronavirus put a stop to all racing?
Tayla: So far my year has had its ups and downs. I started off winning the first race and then kind of went into a slump. I had some rider errors and mechanical issues that left me behind the a-game which has been a struggle. I’m still in good position overall but with the uncertainty of the races now we don’t know how the championships will look.
What does your day-to-day look like now? Can you still ride and train?
Right now my routine isn’t a whole lot different. Other than not racing on the weekends I’m still able to do the same things I used to. I train every day, except I’m using a home gym instead of going to a real one, and I can still ride at private tracks which is great. They shut down most of the open practice tracks.
Has your income been impacted?
My income has come to a halt. I’m on bonus based pay so without racing I unfortunately don’t make any money, which is making this whole situation harder. Hopefully we’ll be back racing soon enough!
Did you consider coming back to Australia?
I never really considered coming back. I’m in a situation at the moment trying to get my Greencard her in America so that unfortunately stops me from travelling outside the country.
What’s the situation like where you’re based?
I’m currently in Texas. The situation is pretty much the same everywhere over here now. There are a few hot spots where it’s definitely worse but the rest of us are just staying quarantined. They’ve shut down everything non-essential and we are just living day by day to see what will happen next.
What are you doing to stay sane? Got any tips for our readers on keeping your sanity while in lockdown?
Haha the not racing part is probably making me the most insane right now! It’s crazy how much we actually travel and race and it’s very boring without that in life. There has been a lot of Netflix watching and reading been happening that’s for sure.
Keep up-to-date on everything Tayla is doing – follow her Instagram HERE.
Photo: Darrin Chapman