The much-awaited 2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event kicked off Thursday evening in the picturesque Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic, with the new addition of the U23 category in the XCC. Ronja Blochlinger made history as the first to race to victory in the U23 Women's category at the World Cup Cross-country Short Track XCC.
The Liv Factory Racing athlete finished the nine laps of the track in a swift 20:13 minutes on her Pique Advanced Pro. Blochlinger was feeling positive before the race. "I had a really good feeling at the start line, I thought - if everything goes right and I do my best, I could win this; I was very happy with the setup of my bike and felt supported by the atmosphere within my team."
The action-packed course is known for its steep inclines, sharp descents, and technical terrain. "I started in a good position but let off the gas for a brief moment in the middle and dropped to around 20th place. I had to push my way back, and I learned a good lesson here, to keep my position near the front."
Once Blochlinger regained her position nearing the final laps, she didn't give up. "I knew it would be a sprint finish, which suited me, but I was surprised that no one was on my back wheel." Blochlinger excitedly continued, "I am very happy to take the win and wear the leader's jersey."
Follow Ronja Blochlinger this season as she competes in the next stop of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
