As in the previous year, the first team meeting of the year fell on the same weekend on which the German Championships in cyclocross took place. So it was time to dance at two weddings, because I wanted to drive the DM again this year.
On Saturday morning I first drove to Borna to the DM venue to watch the youth race there, but also to visit the ROTHAÍ/LAWI stand. At the stand, I quickly got the last tips on the route from "Schulle" (André Schulze). But more on that later 🙂
The next appointment was already calling. It went on to Leipzig to ROTHAÍ Sports. When we got there, some Merkur drivers were already there. I was very happy to see everyone again. The guys did their performance test and I had fun watching them sweat and not having to ride yet.
Unfortunately, time was of the essence. After a few short talks with the guys, Anne, our dear manager, handed me the new clothing for the season and the rest of the material for my bike. A short discussion about the evening's schedule and then it was time again: get in the car and back to Borna on the Cross DM route.
When I got there, I checked when I could best get out on the track, as there were still races going on. When inspecting the track, I had to concentrate again to find the ideal line. But I also took a closer look at some difficult areas and applied Schulle's tips.
After inspecting the track, we went out on the road again to drive a few more intervals for pre-loading. Then I drove to the LAWI stand again to discuss everything for Sunday.
So, that's it for today. The bike in the car and off back to Leipzig to the hotel. After a warm shower I put my feet up. And around 19pm we all gathered for the team meeting in the lobby. Some important information for the 00 season was announced here and various things were discussed. The details will of course not be revealed 🙂
Now it was time for the fun part. We visited an elegant restaurant, the FELA, like last year. Here we all sat comfortably together, ate and laughed a lot. With so much fun, it was easy for me to clear my head and not put pressure on myself for the DM the next day.
I went back to the hotel at around 23pm. But the other boys and girls were still going through the streets of Leipzig and partying.
On Sunday morning there was a long, extensive breakfast to recharge your batteries for the competition. After that I got ready to go to Borna for the DM. Arrived freshly strengthened and full of motivation, it was time to move into the paddock. Luckily, I was able to expand directly at the LAWI stand. Now the starting documents had to be fetched and a wristband for the supervisors for the transition area. Then it was time to get on the bike to warm up. First, I did two quick laps on the track because there was no race going on at the time. Meanwhile, my remaining material was unpacked and assembled. Now it was time to get on the roller to keep warming up. Shortly before the start I put on my competition clothing, true to the regulations and current sponsors.
On to the starting grid! I waited until I was called. Unfortunately, I didn't get through the technical check. My new mud tires were 1 mm too wide... So a quick note: what's on the label isn't always what's in it ;-). Well, you learn from it.
That meant for me that I had to drive with my spare wheel. It was a big change as I hadn't ridden this bike much in the whole 'cross season. But I've tried to make the best of it. Many friends, acquaintances, the guys from the Merkur Cycling Team and ROTHAÍ Sports were at the track and cheered me on. That made me very happy and motivated me even more. In the end, place 32 came out for me. It's not exactly the result I expected. But next year everything will be better and I will check my material more often.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the season. Special thanks to the Merkur Cycling Team, MERKUR DRUCK GmbH, BKK Mobil Oil, Fuji Bikes, LAWI Germany and ROTHAI Sports.
Next time you will find out how I specifically prepared for this German championship in cyclocross.
Your Alex.
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