15. August 2019
Swiss Championship Gränichen – an unexpected finish
The motivation was high, the legs were fit and the head was ready. I was really looking forward to the Swiss Championships in Gränichen. I had a clear and possible goal in my mind. But it might shouldn’t happen.
The temperatures were high at the race day as well in the gravel pit of Gränichen during the day before. I like the summer. But due to the long cold spring period I absolutely wasn’t used to it. Anyway, I was looking forward to the race and felt fit and ready when standing at the starting line. I knew exactly which ranking could be possible. Even if I knew that, I am happy that I didn’t put too much pressure on. So, I was ready in my mind as well. During the first two laps I felt quite good. But the longer I was riding, the worse I felt. I felt hotter and hotter. My head got stormy and I made a lot of mistakes in the downhills. Several times I really had good luck that I didn’t crash. My concentration as well as my performance got worse and worse. In the 2nd last lap my father and sister took me out of the race. The disappointment was high. From the goal of a podium ranking to the reality of a DNF (Did Not Finish). But what to do if your body says no? Better ending a race in this situation, than risking a crash. In about two weeks the next Proffix Swiss Bike Cup will already take place in Leukerbad. Next race, next chance!