Interview: Paula Gorycka

It is a Very interesting interview of our second classified in the last edition. Although the last year he didn't have its best season, he is an example of overcoming, but is already on fire to shine in this 2017.

INT: What is your balance of the 2016? PAULA: Last season was not as I wanted. I started good with 2nd place in Chelva (Spain) and 3rd in Pilisszanto (Hungary) – both C1 UCI. I was also riding good in Leiria (Portugal), but I had problems with my bike and eventually I ended 5th. In the first half of the season I wanted to fight for one from two places for Polish riders in Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, I had a crash one day before World Cup in Albstadt – I broke few ribs. Despite this I made races in Albstadt and one week later in La Bresse, but it was really tough and the only I could do was to made these races to the end. In other races I had also few times problems with my bike. On the other hand I was sick five times (more than in last eight years together!). So, it wasn’t good season for me, but I stay mentally tough and want to be back in 2017.

INT: How do you prepare the new season? PAULA:I made a few changes in my training plan comparing to previous seasons. Now I’m making trainings on bike, in the gym, some running and balance training. I’m happy with current results of the trainings. Now I’m training all the time in Poland and in one week I’ll begin winter training camp – this’ll be the hardest part of winter preparation.

INT: Tell us about your race calendar. PAULA: I plan to start in all European World Cups. I’ll ride also in some HC and C1 races from UCI calendar – mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria and Spain. I’ll start a few races in Poland. I think also about National Championships on road (road race and time trial) and maybe some marathons – I’ll decide about this during the year.

INT: What are you going to do in order to get in good shape? PAULA: I want to fight for a place in the National Team for Europeans and Worlds in mtb XC. And I want to ride faultless all World Cup races.

INT: What is the aim this season? PAULA: The aim is to prepare solid shape and ride good races. I have the aims for trainings (for example times, watts etc) – if I collect them I’ll know that my work was good. Results on the finish line depend for the shape, but also contenders, bike, course profile etc. So I just want to do my best on the trainings and races.

INT: Tell us the advantages of being on this race. Is it the first time? PAULA: This race was very good for the first start in the season. It was my first time in Chelva (but not first in Spain). The course was interesting for riders. It was also physically and technically demanding, but not as much as World Cup courses. So, just like first step to ride harder races, definitely good choice.

INT:What do you think about that circuit? Which is your favourite area? PAULA: This circuit really fits me! I like when the track has long uphills and long downhills – you can find your rhythm. I prefer natural technical elements – rocks, roots. Last thing is the weather – I like when the sun shines and the track is dry. So, everything in Chelva was like made for me .

INT: Do you think it is important for a professional rider to run once a time a race like this one? PAULA: Yes, I think it’s really good for riders. There’re not too many riders on the start line, but also enough to have demanding race. The circuit requires staying focus on technical downhills and staying strong on long uphills. If I could choose, I would ride more races like this.

INT: How was your race last year? PAULA: I didn’t have good start. In the first narrow part of the track I was out of top ten. But I stayed concentrated, composed and confident. I waited for good place and I passed few riders. I made two times like this. In the second half of first round I attacked and moved to second place. I tried to fight for win, but Katrin Leumann was leading from start and the gap was too big. Finally I finished second and I was happy with this result.

INT: Will you participate again this year? PAULA: I hope so and I really want, but now the chances are fifty fifty.

INT: Would you give any advice to the participants of the International XCO Chelva? PAULA: Just prepare for really fine race, with good organization and wonderful atmosphere.

INT: What materials is your bike composed of? PAULA: I’ll have the bike for this season this week. No, I can only say, that it’ll be really good and I hope that the bike and me together will be fast.

INT: What will your team be this year 2017? PAULA: I’ll announce this in February.

We wish you a good luck and look forward to seeing you in our race Paula!😉 #internationalchelva #bigracecultbikes 📸 Javi Medrán fotografía