Margriet Kloppenburg

After a stressfull start to my trip to the Czech Republic I found a bit of rest when we got to our rented holiday home in Milevsko, about 20 km from Tabor.

The course In Tabor had ac ombination of powerclimbing and some technical parts. On saturday when we were out to look at the course I really liked the technical parts with lots of cornering in the start of the race. I went trough them perfectly and this gave me a bit of confidence for the race the following day.

Picture By Luc Van Der Meiren

My race wasn't perfect, but a lot better then the sunday before in Plzen. The start went alright and I felt alright too. The race ended up being up and down, some laps were good, others less good. Ended up being 35, finishing the race. Finishing was my biggest goal of the day, get back a bit of confidence after last weeks disapointment.

Me on the technical part - picture by Luc Van Der Meiren

After a long drive home, found my bed at 5.30, and a short night, was up again at 9.00, I moved into my new apartment in Sandby. After living on my self for 2,5 years coming back to my parenths place was nice, but felt I wanted a bit more of my own space when at home in Denmark. So when the opportunity came to move, I took it. So pushed in 2 days of moving and getting settled, not optimal, but nescesary.

Last saturday I then drove back to Belgium, and after a long drive on saturday I raced in Zonhoven on Sunday. A grazy plan.. The race in Zonhoven is hard! Really Hard! Lots of sand and a big hole you have to ride/run through! So driving all day the day before wasn't a great prep, but lesson learned and had a good training got 23.

In the sand in Zonhoven - Picture by Luc Van Der Meiren

Tuesday I already had the next race, so monday was an easy day. Tuesday I rode Koppenberg Cross, just around the corner from where I am staying in Belgium (Oudenaarde). After pre riding the course on Monday, I was really looking forward to the race! Another hard one! The course of the Koppenberg Cross, as the name sas goes on to the coblled climb Koppenberg. 6 laps on the course having to get up the Koppenberg every time was a killer! But I felt motivated and focussed and that showed in my start I rode up the Koppenberg among the first 15. I did a solid ride, and am happy about my race. I fell back a bit during the race and ended 22ed.

Focussed racing down Koppenberg - Picture by Kris Klaeyé

Tired after racing up the Koppenberg - Picture by Katrien Quartier

You can see highlights of u23, junior and women at the Koppenberg cross HER.

But with this result I ended my first raceperiod very positive and I am now looking forward and motivated to get in some proper training the next 2 weeks before starting my second race period.

Margriet