2024 National MTB Championships
6 Aug
The Romanian National Mountain Bike Championship is one of the primary goals, as always since I’ve started racing in 2002. When I see myself at the start line I race to win, but as the years are passing the prime days are not coming as often as before so to keep a decent level I need to put extra work and a lot more effort to keep up with the young generation.
I love to be part of this sport and I am grateful to have the support of my family, partners and sponsors to keep going, even though, as previously mentioned, I have never been a pro rider.
So this year I had to attempt again to go for the win. It was a great opportunity. This time at Cheile Gradistei on the same course as the #1 round of the Romanian National XCO Cup and the European Championships.
The only thing is that some of the sections changed a bit because of the weather and from the wear and tear. Some of the sections were even slower for me comparing to the
I brought with me both the Scalpel-SE full suspension and the Scalpel HT because I had an idea about riding with it for the Short Track (XCC). But during the training, in the first lap, with a new tire I cut it in a rock so I’ve decided to stick to the Scalpel-SE and take less risks even though I knew that a HT can be a bit faster on that particular course.
Friday – XCC race
I want it to use this one to open the legs for the main race of the weekend, the XCO and so I did. Had a good start and a good pace but I’ve made some small mistakes here and there that caused me more seconds. Burning all the matches before my second to last lap I couldn’t do more than a 3rd place.
Saturday was a day to relax with my family and do one last check of the course, checking both the best and the worst possible lines, just to make sure everything is ok.
Sunday – XCO Race
This was the big day and I quite sure that I couldn’t hide my emotions. The idea was to ride at my own pace, not thinking about the opponents and give my very absolute best.
Again, surprisingly I had a good start but then I’ve paced myself because I didn’t want to blew the engine right from the start lap. The pulse was good, so was the power. I was pretty confident on the descends even thought I made some mistakes here and there. But I tried to not overthink and keep moving with every pedal stroke.
In the end most of the goals were achieved except getting that medal. I’ve finished 5th.
I’ve trained, I have sacrificed and I gave my best, but the other riders were faster. So I would like to congratulate them for this.
Now as I am relief from all this pressure I can rest for a few days and then get back to work for the last couple of stages of the Romanian National XCO Cup.
Of course that huge thanks go to my family for their support. Otherwise I couldn’t have been training, to my partners and sponsors for helping me with the best material.
I know that cycling is an individual sport but I couldn’t do anything without the whole team behind.
See you on the trails. Cheers, Vlad
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