Concordia Cup – race report

13 Jun

This was my fifth year racing at Concordia Cup and for sure it won’t be the last one. The guys from Lugoj are progressing every year and they are finding better courses every year. Also they are promoting the cycling in their area and helping them by racing there it’s always a pleasure.

So Saturday, with my team mate Tudor got in the car and went to Lugoj. When we arrived there, first thing was to check the course. It was so hot outside that we only managed to do two laps. Levy from Clujul Pedaleaza found a nice accommodation so I tried to get a rest and to hydrate.

Got up early in the morning because the start was scheduled at 10AM. I had one of the fastest breakfast ever and got on the bike to start the warm up even if outside was already very hot.

Race was on and there were already 30C. I had a good start and managed to keep my 3rd position for more than 4 laps out of 5 (if you didn’t know, for sure now you’ve found out that this was an XCO race). Then I got on 2nd place because my team mate Tudor who was leading the race broke his chain. Then I’ve pushed a bit harder trying to get a better time but the sun almost gave me a heatstroke. Lucky me, Tudor’s cousin who lives in Lugoj helped us with the waterbottles during the races, so many thanks for that. Also there was a refreshing point at the end of the longest climb and I gotta tell you that was a very good idea !

As the course was pretty bumpy I was forced to stay out of the saddle for a long time but I think that I’ve managed to keep good flow on the descends and a good pace on the uphills.

I am happy with the preparation for the next races and the 2nd place gives me a good motivation and confidence.