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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you to my partners, my coach, the team, and everyone who continues to support me throughout this process.