The last two weeks I took part in 2 4X Pro Tour races. One was in Scotland, Fort William and the other one in Italy,Val di Sole.
I really like Fort William. It’s always great to be there and the crowed is just amazing. The track was also nice but very stony and difficult to ride at the beginning. I had a 6th place in qualify. I wasn’t that satisfied because I know I could do better. So on race day I wanted to do much better and practiced well..felt good and motivated.. had Dougie Pryce on my side a local rider who was so nice and helped me out there a lot… In my first heat I had a flat so I didn’t reach the finals… It was very stressful…. run up get the tire changed..and start again but I stayed focused … and in my second heat (semi-final) I got second behind Anneke Beerten. I was satisfied with my run and performance.
After Fort William I flew home worked few days and left again for the World cup in Val di Sole. This times my friend Birgit went with me. What an enrichment she is a very funny and positive person exactly that what I need to relax. The weather was just perfect .The track was like every year apart from too much gravel in the berms…too much…My qualification run went all right got 4th but hmm wanted more or knew there is more possible. My first heat was everything then good I made one big mistake and was at the 3rd position, but I did a very good passing manoeuvre on the last stone section and so I reached the finals. I was so happy and relieved.
In my final heat (Katy Curd 1st ,Celine Gros 2nd Lucia Oetjen 3rd) I had the outside start position. I know I have good gates and so my plan was to cut in so did I. I bounced a little bit together with Lucia but still was in front of here and stayed on the back wheel of the other two. I finished 3rd. I think I haven’t been so happy for so long just couldn’t stop smiling. This was my first 4x Pro Tour Podium ever and then 3rd. Champagne Shower was on… I want to thank Martin (my long time mechanic who is always on my side when I really need him, he just knows me so well…) then Birgit who was my lucky charm all weekend long and of course all my sponsors.
The next weeks I will swap back on my DH bike a bite. The national champs are soon..
bye bye Helene
