Consistent, that’s a term that could define Luca Martin. Coming out of the series of World Cup rounds in Nove Mesto (Czech Republic), Val di Sole (Italy) and Crans-Montana (Switzerland), the Team Orbea Factory rider has hardly left the podium, on which the top five in mountain biking climb. The only race where he missed the box, the XCC in Italy, he finished… in 6th place.I am satisfied, it is a great line of results, which allows me to be 3rd in the general classification. It is very positive“, he confides to DirectVelo.
Now, it’s time for a few days of well-deserved rest for Luca Martin, who already has 21 events to his credit, XCO and XCC combined, since the start of the season. Especially since the succession of World Cup rounds generates its share of mental fatigue.The sport has changed, it’s much more intense now. This year, we only have one day of recovery between the XCC and the XCO. And we can add to that the recce which is now only on Thursday. It’s difficult to adapt to the changes of circuits and the different weather conditions from one country to another.“. To better tackle these exhausting sequences, Luca Martin has adapted and worked on his mental preparation, a choice that has paid off.Mentally, it’s nothing like last year. I have fewer slumps because I accept that there are ups and downs. And these improvements are visible in my consistency.”.
“I HAVE NOT GAVE UP”
The only thing missing is that World Cup victory that he has been aching for since the beginning of the year.It’s hard to turn around, I’m not missing much. Of course, it worries me a little to think that I could leave the Espoirs ranks without having slammed a single one“. Riley Amos and Bjorn Riley, these are the names of the two drivers who dominate the discipline and prevent Luca Martin from reaching the Grail. “I’m up against two extraordinary Americans. I work hard and don’t make bad choices, so I have no regrets. And I haven’t given up either, I just hope that victory will come.”
Next weekend, in Les Gets (Haute-Savoie), the 22-year-old driver will have a new opportunity to raise his arms, in front of a French public inevitably won over to his cause.I arrive super motivated, I like this circuit and the atmosphere around it. I hope to continue on my momentum“This race is also the occasion for the first stage of a new cycle which should take him to the World Championship, in Andorra, at the end of August.I can’t wait to start my preparation, which is my goal for the year. Now is when everything is at stake.“. And what better than a World Championship to sign your first international victory of the season?
