Second time in Nove Mesto

29 May

Yeah, that’s right. It was for the second time when I’ve participated in a World Cup race, the same one from last year in Nove Mesto (CZE). I want it to go there because it wasn’t very far away and it’s a good chance to ride on a very technical course with the top riders. I can see them every time live on TV but rarely I can race with them, so I couldn’t miss this opportunity. So I’ve decided with my team mate Eli and friend Voicu that we should go.

We set up everything and went for the Czech Republic. We already knew some of the formalities so it was pretty easy to register, park our van that we got from the VW dealer in Cluj and so on. Our hotel room was about 30km away from the course because it was the only one that had a decent price.

We got there Thursday evening greeted by a cold and unstable weather. On our way we’ve saw a few cars from the Gumball3000 which I know that is pretty rare opportunity, especially if it’s something unplanned. Right after we got the accreditation on Friday we went directly on the course to check it. We found new sections, more technical than last year. After a short inspection I decided to explore these technical areas and see how it’s safer and faster to pass them.

In the break between workouts I’ve visited the friends at Cannondale Factory Racing. Found out that Anton Cooper had a stomach problem and wasn’t able to race but also that Manuel Fumic is recovering well and he will get soon on the bike. Larry took a close look to my Lefty and made some adjustments which improved it significantly. I really appreciate Daniel and Larry’s support with every single occasion. It means a lot !

On Saturday we had the chance to check the course right after a short rain and it was completely different. With the slippery rocks and roots I had to approach the course in a different manner. I was feeling the pressure already, also because some friends from Cluj, Oradea, Hunedoara and Bucharest came to see the race and enjoy this opportunity.

Race day: My goals were to clear all the sections, to be able to jump the BMX and Grey section without crashing to pass the new Rubena Choice rock garden, not to be the last one and to make more laps than in 2012.

Got on the roller 1h before the start to make sure that I will have a proper warm up. Pressure increases with every minute. I was afraid to repeat last year’s scenario when immediately after the start was a fall which involved nearly half of the riders.

Had a fast start with no crashed but I knew that a jam will occur and then I’ve remembered that I’ve promised Simona that I will wave my hand in front of the camera if she won’t be able to make it so I did it. Right after I’ve started to focus more on what I have to do and how to be faster.

It was a completely different thing from the training because I felt faster on de descends and more confident. Also riding 1×10 it was pretty hard on the climbs but having such a great crowd of spectators motivated me a lot and made me push as hard as possible. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to reach all my goals so I did the same number of laps as last year, but I am happy that I didn’t crashed even though I was riding faster. There where 122 riders at the start, 106 finished the race and I was on the 104th spot. I also got a few nicknames on the course such as “Pink Man” or “Fontana’s brother from another mother” even though the last one is more suitable for Manuel Fumic.

My result is far from good, but given the level and the budget available to us compared to others I think is decent, although there may always improve things. I am not a pro rider but I want to enjoy every single ride.

The lack of technical courses but especially technical races in Romania had a big impact on me because I wasn’t really prepared for such a course but I think I’ve learned a lot.

This World Cup as before offered me a different perspective and showed me what mountainbiking is all about. It’s a good experience which can be used to improve the race level and courses in Romania.

Many thanks to my girl friend Simona and my dad and to all my sponsors for the support, also many thanks to Levy who made this journey possible. I would like to appreciate the spectators support, I can say that the Czech people are the most fanatic cycling fans I’ve ever seen so far. I’ve had a good time and I hope that I will come back again next year.

Also the past week end my dad participated to his first bike race, Clujul Pedaleaza – Night Stage and got 3rd his age category (+40y) even though he is +50. I am proud of him!