MTB Academy XCO 2024

23 Sep

This year’s race at Campulung was the 4th stage of the Romanian XCO Cup. It’s always difficult especially because of the long travel (6h of driving + some rest in between). The course is also very physically demanding and can hit you after just a couple of laps.

As Filip was a bit sick we’ve decided to go there by myself so I knew that it will be even harder at the feed zones as I had to do everything alone. Anyway…

I’ve arrived there Friday, just in time to re-check the course, see the new features and get the things dialed for the race. Even though I could have raced the XCE (Eliminator) National Championships, I had my own reasons not to and I think it was the right call.

The race:

It started into the worst way possible. In the front of us were the cadets, boys and girls and one of the guys crashed in front of me right at the start. In order to avoid him I had to stop being literally the last man standing. But right after I started to gain position especially in the technical areas. I know that the time is taking a toll on me and the next generation is coming strong but I ain’t giving up so easy.

After I’ve passed all my opponents things got a bit more relaxed and I was able to race my own pace. I was pretty consistent which is something I consider is great.

Just to see that this course is so physical and technically demanding I love my AXS groupset because it let’s me show you how many shifts I had and how much time I’ve spent on each gear:

In the end I have managed to win the race. With three wins out of four states in the Romanian National Cup I’ve secured the overall win, with one stage left this weekend at Resita. Another positive thing because I’ll be able to race much more relaxed and enjoy the last XCO race of the season.

Slowly but steady I am switching to CX and I hope that I’ll be healthy to race.

Once again, last but not least, many thanks to my family, friends and sponsors for their support. None of us is that good as all of us. Thank you.