Last Sunday, April 27, several of our colleagues – true cycling enthusiasts – participated in the 1st stage of the Latvian State Forests mountain bike marathon competition Valmiera – Cēsis. Each of them faced not only their own challenges but also had a strong determination to achieve good results and ultimately – vivid, but most importantly positive emotions.
In this stage, the LEC team was represented by Zintis Šaicāns, Jānis Jablovskis, Evisa Katrīna Krumholca, Māra Kukoja, Viktors Borisovskis, Benita Kusiņa, Mārīte Jankovska, Varis Vekters, Jekaterīna Gorbunova, Rihards Kalniņš, Kaspars Reinholds, Kitija Jansone, Alans Bircs and Ivans Fiļipovs. In the team results of the Lielbāta marathon distance, the LEC team secured 32nd place out of 126!
Our colleagues don’t hide their light under a bushel, and when asked to share their impressions, they gladly do so. Now we also have the opportunity to peek behind the scenes of the competition and learn how our athletic colleagues performed, how they felt on the track, and how they evaluate their performance.
Ivans Fiļipovs indicates that he prepared for the competition by training with colleagues and participating in joint rides. “Physically, I lacked stamina at the beginning and had to show better results. Emotionally, I felt like I was in a competition – adrenaline does its job, but the fighting spirit had also awakened,” says Ivans. He evaluates his results cautiously, noting that he needs to continue training more intensively. Ivans emphasizes that at the LEC team level, he couldn’t wish for anything better, but at the same time admits that competing with Viktor Borisovski is currently very difficult. “Viktor is simply unreachable at the moment,” the colleague adds with a laugh.
And what does Viktor Borisovkis himself think about his performance? He says that he didn’t specifically prepare for this competition as he was training to achieve another goal, but still found time to familiarize himself with the track together with colleagues beforehand. When asked about how he did on the track, he replies: “The track went fast. I had enough energy and no lack of motivation.” He adds that upon crossing the finish line, he felt that he couldn’t have achieved a faster result. “That’s the main thing,” he emphasizes. Viktor also admits that he is happy about his colleagues’ achievements and that these competitions have evoked positive emotions for them.
Mārīte Jankovska couldn’t devote much time to training this season, admitting that her preparation wasn’t ideal. “I had been a bit sick, then it was cold, and after that, I didn’t feel well again. However, despite that, I rode twice through Biķernieki forest to understand what awaits me on the track,” says Mārīte. She admits that physically she still needs to work on endurance, as the hills were a challenge, but emotionally she felt very good. “I think that considering my preparation or rather lack of preparation, it went very, very well. I’m happy with the result and how I rode. And also, considering that we started last from the group, I even managed to overtake someone!” says Mārīte. In conclusion, she invites everyone to participate in the Sigulda competition: “Let’s go to Sigulda!!!”
Meanwhile, Jekaterina Gorbunova says that she prepared for the competition by getting good sleep and choosing a minimal but hearty breakfast. “Just before the start, we ate delicious cinnamon rolls with colleagues – it seems that’s what gave me extra energy because I had enough strength for the entire ride,” says Jekaterina.
The colleague reveals that this was her first experience on such a track: “It was challenging, intense, and very interesting. Physically it demanded energy, but emotionally I felt elated.”
When asked how she evaluates her performance, Jekaterina replies: “I evaluate my performance according to my physical fitness and emotions at that moment – overall, I am satisfied. There are definitely some things I will improve for the next stages.”
Jekaterina also has an idea that could be implemented for the next stages, namely, for the next stages, everyone could purchase helmets of the same color, for example, black or orange with the LEC logo. “This would help us be more easily recognizable on the track and strengthen the LEC team spirit,” Jekaterina is convinced.
We wish you excellent results in the upcoming competition stages, maintaining not only the competitive spirit but also team unity and a positive attitude.
