The Wet and Wild Thursday Training

The first day of training on Thursday was dominated by rain. The renowned roots and rock gardens of Nové Město transform into a treacherous challenge in wet conditions, demanding a precise balance between grip and control. Our tire choice for all riders was the highly versatile Vittoria Mezcal. It's an excellent all-around performer, providing superb traction in damp conditions without getting bogged down in softer sections. To further maximize grip and ensure the bikes remained planted on those slippery roots, we significantly reduced the tire pressure, lowering it by approximately 0.3 to 0.5 bar across the board. It's a delicate balance – too low, and the risk of pinch flats increases, but the added compliance was essential for maintaining momentum.

Interestingly, we decided against making significant suspension adjustments for that initial wet training session. Having accumulated valuable telemetry data from previous years on this demanding course, we opted to start with a well-established baseline. This allowed our riders to get a feel for the specific conditions and provide initial feedback before we started chasing setup changes.

Friday's Fine-Tuning for Peak Performance

Friday brought clearer skies, but the course still presented a slick and formidable challenge, particularly through the infamous root and rock sections. This day became our prime opportunity for meticulous fine-tuning. We conducted several telemetry runs, diligently analyzing the data to understand precisely how the bikes were reacting to the varied terrain. I had already prepared a comprehensive range of different damping options, and we systematically put them to the test on the course. Our analysis revealed that the damping requirements for Nové Město are quite unique when compared to other World Cup venues. To achieve that crucial "calm" yet lightning-fast feel over the relentless roots, we implemented significant adjustments to the compression damping. Specifically, we increased the oil flow for both Low-Speed Compression (LSC) and High-Speed Compression (HSC), as well as Low-Speed Rebound (LSR) and High-Speed Rebound (HSR), through strategic manipulation of the valve and shim stacks within the suspension units. Our primary goal was to enable the suspension to effectively absorb the constant chatter and absorb big impacts without packing up or feeling harsh, ultimately providing our riders with enhanced control and increased speed. I'm confident we hit the sweet spot!

Strategic Race Day Decisions

XCC (Short Track) Strategy

Then came the highly anticipated race day, bringing with it distinct demands for the different disciplines. For the XCC (Short Track) race, the course presents a dynamic mix of asphalt and tarmac sections alongside the demanding dirt sections. Here, minimizing rolling resistance becomes a critical factor. We executed a strategic tire switch to the Vittoria Terreno 2.4. This tire is renowned for its exceptional speed on hardpack surfaces, while its 2.4-inch width surprisingly provides the essential cornering grip needed for the tight turns. Tire pressures were slightly increased to maximize speed on the smoother sections, and the suspension setup also underwent a specific change. We opted for a firmer feel with more closed damping settings. This configuration provided a more efficient platform for explosive sprinting and allowed our riders to maintain crucial speed through the BMX section.

XCO (Cross-Country) Optimization

For the main event, the grueling XCO (Cross-Country) race, we returned to the reliable Vittoria Mezcal 2.4s. In this longer and more technically demanding race, maximizing grip and control takes absolute priority. Tire pressures were meticulously fine-tuned for each individual rider, averaging around 1.15 bar in the front and 1.27 bar in the rear. These precise pressures were carefully adjusted based on individual riding styles and body weight to achieve the optimal balance between exceptional traction and efficient rolling resistance. The day proved to be a resounding success, culminating in a well-deserved World Cup podium finish and several other fantastic results for our dedicated team!

The Unseen Efforts Behind the Victories

However, the week in Nové Město presented its fair share of challenges. The unpredictable weather, particularly the initial heavy rain, demanded constant and meticulous work on the bikes. The persistent grit and grime from the wet course necessitated daily rebuilds to ensure that every component continued to function flawlessly. Furthermore, all of our team bikes are equipped with specially tuned bearings engineered for maximum efficiency and minimal resistance. While these high-performance bearings provide a significant competitive advantage, they also require extra attention and meticulous maintenance to consistently operate at their peak performance.

Keeping the bikes in top shape