The last few weeks have been very intense. I travelled from one Bike-O event to the next and tried to squeeze my 80% workload in between. The intensive phase began in Poland in mid-June. At the Mazovia MTBO we were able to prepare perfectly for the World Championships. With 5 competitions across all World Championship disciplines, 3 of which were even World Ranking events, which took place directly in forests adjacent to the World Championship restricted areas, we found ideal conditions. The competitions were well organised and the forests and courses were challenging. I didn’t feel that awake for the first race, I was still feeling a little sleep-deprived from the night train journey there. However, thanks to caffeine and starting in the evening, I was able to put in a good performance and won my first WRE! I also performed well in the subsequent races, which gives me confidence for the World Championships.
At the beginning of July with the MTBO 5 Days in Pilsen. The 20th anniversary was the first time I attended all 5 days. The 5 Days in Pilsen are characterised by excellent Bike-Os with some innovative formats, but above all by very cool activities alongside the Bike-Os. Physically, I didn’t feel very well in Pilsen, and I also struggled a bit with concentration during the competition. But I was able to enjoy the supporting programme to the full, and this was also very important for me mentally in this very busy phase. Pilsen was great and I will definitely be back next time!
Just 2 weeks later, we travelled to Sweden for the O-Ringen. The biggest orienteering event in the world has also been offering Bike-Os for several years now. And these are always something special in Sweden. The bike technique is often very demanding and the route choices are unique. And you can also win prize money in the Bike-O! I got the week off to a great start again. I won the first race. The other races also went well, and a Swiss duel soon emerged at the top of the overall standings. Noah was able to extend his lead slightly each day, so that I went into the final chase start just under 3.5 minutes behind. I was able to steadily make up some ground, and as it was a long distance, I also had some time to catch up. And indeed, shortly before the end I suddenly had Noah in my field of vision. But it was too close to the finish to catch up with him completely. But looking back at him visibly increased his heart rate. We also had a good time in Sweden alongside the races. But with our own sauna at the house right by the lake, it’s also difficult not to have a good time. I will definitely go to the next O-Ringen again. Next summer will probably be intense again…
Now all the competitions are over, and the most important week of the season is just around the corner. Well prepared, I am on my way to Poland as I write this post. I am looking forward to exciting and challenging competitions. Even though the terrain is a little too flat for my liking, the Mazovia competitions have shown that with a technically clean race, I can compete at the very front even on flat terrain. And it’s not just me who is in good shape; everyone in our team is ready too. I am looking forward to a great week and ending my 2025 season on a high note. Let’s go!
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