BH-sponsored cyclist Julie Bresset came in second in the opening race of the 2011 MTB World Cup, showing that her collarbone fracture is a matter of the past. The Breton rider opened her season in strong fashion, hoping to bask in many victories in her first year in the elite category, as she reveals in this interview.

Monday 16 May, 2011

Julie Bresset

—In spite of a slight low back pain, you were on the second step of the podium in the opening race of the 2011 MTB World Cup. Finishing second despite your physical problem was not bad…

 I’m elated with my performance. It was a great race for me. Before starting, I was worried because my back ached. It was really annoying, but I took care, I took some rest, and tried to recover with physiotherapy treatments. I tried to stop thinking about the pain and focus on the race.

—How did you feel during the race? If you had been in better shape you could have grabbed victory. Anyway, you were the fastest after the first lap in South Africa. I think this is good news.

 I felt very well, although the back pain started again in the middle of the race. Anyway, I think that even if I hadn’t had the pain I wouldn’t have won the race because Ren, the Chinese rider, was very, very strong. She was amazing! Having been on the front may mean almost nothing, but I’m proud to have tried.

—Your main goal last year was the World Championships in Mont Sainte-Anne. What is your target this year?

This year I’m in the elite not the U23 category, so I hope I can climb even higher in the world’s elite and perform well in the World Cup races. I’m looking forward to the MTB World Championships in Champéry, on 23 September.

—How are you preparing this season to attain your goal? Will your preparation be different from those in previous years?

No, it’ll be like those in previous years. I’ll take things easy; I won’t put much pressure on myself.

—As to your bicycle, how are you feeling on your BH? Are you planning to ride another bike model?

I’m feeling very good on my BH Ultimate. It’s a high-end bike! It makes me race superbly well.

—What are your expectations for the race in Dalby Forest?

I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on myself before the World Cup. I love the course and I’d like to do well there.

—What do you usually bring with you to the races? I mean books, films, TV series, etc.… Do you keep some good luck charm with you? Or maybe you have some race day rituals?

 I always carry my notebook to contact my family when I travel abroad. I don’t have any amulets. On the race day everything is ready and I never change my habits: outfit, water bottles, warm-up…

—What was your pre-season like? What did you work on to improve performance? Technical or physical aspects maybe? Do you think you have improved?

Every year in winter I try to build up strength. This past winter I had to go back to shape after the fracture, since I’d been resting for two months and a half.

—What do you think of your team-mates this season? Have you spotted any dark horses? Who are more likely to make us happy?

The team were as great as ever. We get on well together. Maxime will rule this season, and Laura too, she’ll be in good shape soon.