TCN's cycling correspondent Kreso Biskup gears up for the start of his racing season in Koprivnica this weekend.
Well into May it's time to start the racing season for this year. This spring was a bit harder for me than previous ones. I have clocked just under 800 kilometers in the past four months and my form isn't something to write home about.
Having a day job and several other responsibilities can severely hinder your cycling time, especially when your cycling partner in crime moves to another country.
Looking back, I haven't even hit Ivanscica mountain once this spring! With 3 days to go before my first race I'm a bit scared. I'm not a racer, not even an amateur rider, I'm a recreational cyclist who likes occasional events. Hopefully it'll all change this year.
My first race will be this weekend's XCM Koprivnica on May 7, 2016, a cross country marathon around Koprivnica. The town I thought was flat until I went to last year's event. And almost died of exhaustion. This year I'll be riding a B course, 49 kilometer long trail with one goal in mind: to finish the race without problems.
Koprivnica isn't flat. It's got great hilly surroundings with many small and hidden but beautiful vineyards and weekend cottages. Parts of the trail reminded me on photos of Whistler mountain and trails in North America.
XCM racing is big in north Croatia. My goals for this year are to finish at least two events, XCM Koprivnica and Adria Bike Marathon coming in mid July at the Plitvice lakes.
Other non mountain bike goal is to finish at least two brevets on the road bike, and attend every possible race while writing and covering them for Total Croatia Cycling.
The point of view I will represent will be of an recreational cyclist, avid fitness fan and a tourist in my own country. Hopefully different races will make me a better sportsman and a tourist.
This weekend I'll be riding my MTB Felt Q720, a bike that's been my friend for past 11 000km and still feels great and natural.
