15. August 2019
UCI MTB World Cup Val di Sole – Turbulent times
After the worldcup in Les Gets (FR) there has been three weeks left until the next worldcup in Val di Sole (IT). I actually didn’t plan to compete in this race due to the European Championships. But I didn’t qualify myself for Europeans so I decided to compete in Val di Sole. I didn’t have anything to lose, right?
The three weeks before Val di Sole have been great. I was so motivated and had so much power during the training. I felt good, no I felt great. My goals always in my mind. On Thursday I left to Italy. This time without my parents. My decision has been quite spontaneous so they didn’t plan any vacation. No problem, I can do it! I booked an apartment, packed all my stuff into the van and went in direction Val di Sole. After the first course check my eyes started to sparkle. I absolutely loved this one. I waited long for a track like that. Finally, a real challenging course. Finally comparing and testing out different lines. Finally growing about yourself. Everything seems to be great. I felt ready physically as well as mentally. I really enjoyed the days before the race. Training on the track, delicious cooking, relaxing in the apartment, watching races, meeting people, good talks. That’s what I call the «worldcup feeling» or «the calm before the storm». And hell, yeah it got stormy af when joining the technical zone in my second lap due to a flat tire. I couldn’t believe it! Last year I lost my derailleur, this year I got a flat tire. So, I had to ride a half lap with my flat tire till I got to the technical zone. After I left the technical zone, I started into the race again on one of the last positions. I fought, fought hard. In the end I got 35th. What a disappointment after my good start in the top 20 th. I was so sad. My goal to qualify myself for world championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne went further away. Yes, the feeling was great and I felt great as well. But for a qualification you need more than just good feelings. I love the race course in Canada. That’s why I absolutely wanted to go to Mont-Sainte-Anne. It is my absolute favorite track to race on. It is technical and challenging like no other race course. To compete there and to show what I can has been my big goal. That’s why I was so sad about my flat tire. Val di Sole was my last chance to show my potential and to show that I earn to rock the track in Mont-Sainte-Anne. Now all eyes on next worldcup in Lenzerheide. Ride on!