15. August 2019
UCI MTB World Cup – Vallnord
Finally! It felt so great having lots of power and energy again. The whole time I was so looking forward to this racecourse. The diversified track is located at the ski resort in Pal Arinsal (Andorra). Steep climbs and short, fast descents characterize this circuit in the Pyrenees. The whole week I did not feel very well and I did not recover as fast as I thought I would. I had to deal with my defeat and the two crashes in Val di Sole last weekend and I had to deal with a lot of pressure. Pressure made by myself. The desire going to the World Championships in Lenzerheide is huge since they announced that it is going to take place in Switzerland.
Than on Sunday everything came together so good. I said to myself: “Hey Ramona you this year prepared yourself so well for the high altitude. You love the racecourse. Just enjoy racing and give everything you have. That is all you can do!” And I did. The nervousness faded and I felt strong and fully motivated. I reached a great 20th place. However, more important for me were the time gaps to the riders in front of me. There were only 3.5 minutes left to ride in the top 10. Race time was about 80 minutes.
Unfortunately, I did not qualify myself for European Championships from 25 to 20 July 2018 in Graz. However, I can now prepare myself fully focused on the next race. I am looking forward for the next Worldcup in Mont Sainte-Anne (Canada), which takes place in about three weeks. Good vibes are around the corner with my 11th place and the unforgetale stay from last year.