Cluj Winter Race, for the 14th time

I think I can talk and write about this 14th edition of CWR a whole novel.

This was by far the hardest to organize. Being a stage in the Romanian Cyclocross Cup was a must to be raced no matter what too.

Even though I started to put everything together since September because I knew that the volume of work would be great, still wasn’t enough. The final week was the hardest, especially the day before the race with the issues that occurred right before the dark.

Then I saw that this local cycling community is more united than I thought it would ever be.

Race day arrived and I was there at 7:30 to set up the rest of the small things. Riders started to come and I simply couldn’t believe that the parking lot was full. It all started with the MTB XCC race, then the Youth CX, Elite Women then Elite Men, Masters and Amateurs. After the youngest kids with Felix at the start line and last but not least the E-Bike rider that had a completely different course to get everything out of these bikes.

My race was simply an A to B ride. I didn’t had any kind of warm up. Just straight into the racing equipment and at the start line. Started slowly, mostly because I couldn’t do better, but as the laps were passing by my average speed was increasing and also was my confidence.

Lost a bit of momentum with a couple of laps to go as I lapped some rider that couldn’t or wouldn’t let me pass them but overall was good. Finishing 3rd at Masters, consolidating my 3rd overall and keeping my hopes high.

The grind might go unnoticed but the results won’t. Keep that in mind.

Without the support of my family and sponsors I couldn’t do this. Without the support of the sponsors, riders, spectators, volunteers, friends and once again my family this race wouldn’t take place. I am grateful for each and everyone of you.

Enjoy some of the photos Alin took at the race.

See ya soon, now back to work.

Cheers, Vlad