Racing: Our bc UCI MTB World Cup rider Theresia started successfully into the 2017 season
Our bc rider Theresia kicked off her 2017 cross-country season in Boos in preparation for this year’s World Cup races.
Last weekend’s MTB Bulls-Cup 2017 event in Boos (Germany) offered a great opportunity for me to test my shape and start into the 2017 XC racing season. Time to find out how well I made it through the winter, and to do a first check whether all the long hours spent training on and off the bike will pay off this year.
Theresia rides to victory.
A not-so-typical race preparation
Usually, Friday is my rest day when I race on Sundays. However, this time I broke with my tried and true routine, as I had a performance diagnostics test scheduled for that day. Not ideal for racing, but necessary for my training. My legs did feel a little tired on Saturday, but it was all forgotten before the race on Sunday. I was ready, well rested and excited to get the 2017 season started.
The bc van serves as a rolling locker room and workshop.
Sizing up the competition
Right from the beginning of the 60 minute race, two other riders and I formed a group at the front. We set a high pace, and none of us attempted to up the speed even further. I told myself to be patient and wait how the race would develop.
A group of three riders lead the race.
Theresia staying ahead of the competition on the trail.
One of my two contenders crashed about halfway into the race, falling behind and loosing many positions. The other girl and I took advantage of the situation and picked up the pace. We quickly increased our lead on third place.
Great race with fun trails.
The downhill sections require full concentration.
The Sprint to the finish line
I picked up the speed even further during the second half of the race, and put pressure on my direct contender. Soon, a little gap formed, and I let up to see whether she would be able to catch up. Both of us eventually started to run out of steam, feeling the length of the race. Who would have more reserves? We carried on towards the finish line, taking turns at the front. The final climb would bring the decision. I attacked from second position, dug real deep and finally had the better legs. My contender couldn’t follow, and I was the first to cross the line.
Theresia on top of the podium. Victory no.1 2017.
My first victory in 2017!
The Bulls Cup may not be the World Cup, but it’s always nice to win a race, especially when the victory comes after a long fight to the finish. A Win at the beginning of the season is a boost for my morale and motivates me for the challenges to come. I’m on schedule with my season preparation, and I’m ready for the upcoming races, especially the start of the German MTB Bundesliga at the beginning of April in Bad Säckingen.
