15. August 2019

UCI MTB Worldcup Vallnord – From high expectations to unreached goals

What shall I say? My expectations as well as my goals for this race has been quite high. I was looking forward to this competition. Vallnord is next to Monte-Sainte-Anne one of my most favorite races. But it probably should not happen.

For about the past 4 weeks I prepared myself for the high altitude. Because the race in Vallnord takes place at about 2’000m altitude. Last year I slept on my home mountain called Niesen. This year I tried the oxygen tent. You simulate the altitude by reducing the oxygen content in the tent. We arrived in Vallnord nearly one week before to acclimate my body to the altitude. But during the race my lungs felt like they would literally explode. My legs felt quite good but I my lungs were burning. I never had the feeling to find the flow or to be able pushing really hard. In the last lap I crashed. That totally brought my out of my concept. The 30th place was definitely not what I wanted to reach and what I can achieve. To be honest, I am really disappointed. I was in such a good mood, so motivated and full of anticipation. And then, during the race everything went in another direction. I think that might be part of the game as well. I am now really curious and excited about the new Worldcup in Les Gets, France. New track, new day, new race, new chance. See you!

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