May 20, 2019 (Albstadt, Germany) – Pedal caught up with Haley Smith (Norco Factory Team) following her career-best, Euro WCup 9th-place result in the Elite Women’s 23.8km race in Albstadt, Germany at the opening round of the UCI MTB XCO World Cup Series – results here. Her best result was 8th at Mont-Sainte Anne in 2018.
Congrats on your 9th at Albstadt. How was your start, the pace looked fast ?
Haley Smith: The pace was definitely fast and I actually struggled during the start. I had a great first 30 seconds but didn’t quite have the fire power I’m used to having for the next five minutes. It took me a little while to recover from that and work my way back up.
You were near the front of the start line… does this give you a confidence boost ?
HS: Yes, and no! I believe I have the ability to be closer to the front – maybe fighting for the podium – so this is definitely a step in the right direction, but I like to think my confidence doesn’t solely hinge on the result.
Walk us thru your race – you moved up well riding with Catharine Pendrel for awhile.
HS: I was as far back as 25th halfway through the start lap, and then I just steadily worked my way through the field. My last three laps were fast compared to the first half of my race.
Did you like the course and did it suit you ?
HS: I’ve always had a serious mental issue with the course at Albstadt, I’m not sure why. I am a strong climber so I know it SHOULD suit me, and today I was finally able to get over that mental hurdle and allow my potential to show through a little more.
Did you know you were top 10 at the finish ?
HS: Yes. Often I don’t know the exact place I’m in, but I was chasing the podium and I was aware of every place between me and that fifth place goal!
Do you feel your condition / form is on track ?
HS: It’s definitely early season, so I’ve got a lot of room to improve and sharpen! But so far, so good.
How do you recover ?
HS: Recovery is an ongoing process, between every training session and race. Lots of sleeping, stretching, light spinning, and meditation are on the docket for the next few days.
All the best in Nove Mesto next weekend.
HS: Thanks