The U23 World Cup in Pal Arinsal marked another important step in my international season. After several solid World Cup appearances, but without a truly standout result, the goal was also to continue understanding what is still missing for me to fully translate into racing the numbers I am able to produce in training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together with my coach Barry, we identified an important point: my race data still does not fully reflect what I can achieve in training. There is therefore work to be done to unlock that potential in competition, especially at this level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pal Arinsal has one major characteristic: altitude. And at this level, it makes a real difference. Many riders competing in events like this arrive directly from specific altitude training camps, often organised with their national federations. In my case, I prepared for this round in Belgium, without any specific altitude preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the altitude, the course itself is very interesting: fun, demanding, with proper climbs and an incredible setting. For my first race in Andorra, I was excited, even though I knew the challenge would be huge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The start list was simply impressive. With 51 riders on the line and an extremely deep field, it was difficult to set a clear target. Looking at the list, I even thought that finishing last would not necessarily be something to be ashamed of considering the level of the riders present. Obviously, that is never the ideal mindset before a race, but it gives an idea of just how strong the field was. On a very good day, the goal would have been to score points, meaning a place inside the top 40.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I started second to last on the grid. Despite that difficult position, I managed a good start. Looking at the riders around me, I quickly thought that fighting with athletes of this level must mean I was already fairly high up in the ranking. But when I realised that we were actually fighting not to be last, the level of this World Cup became very clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second lap was extremely difficult. I completely missed it and even caught myself wondering whether I really belonged in a race like this. That kind of doubt is never helpful in the middle of a competition, but I still managed to reset mentally and get myself back into the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the following laps, I was able to find some rhythm again and mentally reconnect with the race. The sensations improved somewhat, but the 80% rule came too quickly. I eventually finished 49th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On paper, I could take some comfort from the fact that this was my best result in a European World Cup so far. But considering how the race unfolded, I cannot be fully satisfied with it. There were too many elements showing me that I still need to improve if I want to perform at my true level in this kind of environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above all, this race reminded me that a round like Pal Arinsal requires very specific preparation, especially when it comes to altitude. I also need to stay realistic: I had the opportunity to race on an iconic course, in an exceptional setting, against one of the strongest fields of the season. But if I want to perform in races like this in the future, I will need to find ways to prepare more specifically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I leave Andorra with some frustration, but also with a clear analysis of where I stand. The potential is there, the work continues, and every World Cup brings valuable lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you to my partners, my coach, the team, and everyone who continues to support me throughout this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The U23 World Cup in Pal Arinsal marked another important step in my international season. After several solid World Cup appearances, but without a truly standout result, the goal was also to continue understanding what is still missing for me to fully translate into racing the numbers I am able to produce in training. Together […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2807,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-27","category-world-series"],"yoast_head":"\n