Elżbieta Kowalska

Petr Kelemen will be representing CCC Development Team from next season. The Czech rider will join the team on two-year deal. 

He came from a cycling family – his father used to be a cyclist and his brother choosed track cycling. Petr started riding BMX when he was 5. Then, after several years, he decided to switch to the track. As a teenager Petr became fascinated by road cycling and now he tries to combine those two disciplines: road and track. In his free time he likes watching ice hockey and football. As a junior, Petr won Czech championships in road race. 

– Petr Kelemen is a cyclist with a big potential. We appreciate his abilities when it comes to ride against the clock. He can also perform well on one-day races. Moreover, as a bunch sprinter from smaller groups, not only he can sprint himself but also can help other riders like for example Stasiek Aniołkowski. We are looking forward to seeing what Petr can do with us next two years – said Robert Krajewski, president and sport director of CCC Development Team.

– I have to say that I’m really happy and excited that I’m going next months in CCC Development Team. After World Championships in Yorkshire I had two offers but I didn’t hesitate and chose the one from CCC Devo. I would not find another such a professional and well-equipped team on a continental level. This is the best place for a young rider to develop. Moreover, I’ve been following the team during whole season, so I know that it is a really strong group of riders, with 19 victories in this season. I also really liked the calendar and the fact that the team was able to participate in good and demanding races. I am really looking forward to next season. I am sure that after winter training camps we will manage to build strong team with good spirit and that we will be able to fight for victories – said Kelemen. 

Petr Kelemen

born 18.11. 2000

time trialist, classic rider, bunch sprinter

2-year deal with CCC Development Team 

Do you remember how your cycling career started? 

Yes, I was five and together with my brother we were riding BMX. It was our father who encouraged us to practice this discipline, as he used to be a cyclist. After 6 years I decided to try something new and I switch to track cycling. My brother did the same and since then he has been concentrating only on track. In the beginning I focused on sprint disciplines and when I was a junior it came out that endurance competitions are better to me. 

And road cycling? When it came out that this would be your main discipline? 

Funny thing, but it’s really hard to choose one, particular reason. I remember that I was a teenager, still a junior and I used to watch big races like Tour de France or classics. And I just felt that this is what I would like to do in my life. The atmosphere, fans – all those things happening around such events are really fascinating. In the beginning it was really demanding for me as on track it’s mainly about high speed and fighting for a good position. As I came from track, I thought that I might be a sprinter but as I mentioned before – I started to do more kilometers, focusing on endurance… And  now, I can say that I’m quite good time trialist, I also feel well as a bunch sprinter from a small group. I think that classic one-day races can suit me well. When it comes to my climbing skills – still there is a lot of things to improve especially when it comes to long climbs. 

How is your cycling role-model? 

Zdenek Stybar. I think that I can say that he is a friend of mine and we often train together. He is really determined rider and what is more – ha always gives his best for the team. 

What is your biggest cycling dream? 

Definitely, I would like to join WT team in the future. I really want to take part in races like Milan – San Remo or Tour de Flanders. These are my favorite, actually. I hope that in CCC Development Team I’ll be able to make a step forward, become better rider and finally be able to compete at world-tour level. 

And your biggest success so far? 

I think it’s green point’s jersey I won at Junior’s Nation Cup Tour du Pays de Vaud. I also was Czech champion as a junior in RR and I had also a chance to represent my country on European and World Championships. My last season was also quite good for my – even though it was my first season in U-23 category. I spent in at World Cycling Center and it was some kind of a probation. I was 4th at stage of Ronde de l’Izard and two times I finished stages in top-15 at Tour de l’Avenir. 

What are your expectation for next seasons which you are going to spend in CCC Development Team? 

I have to say that I’m really happy and excited that I’m going next months in CCC Development Team. After World Championships in Yorkshire I had two offers but I didn’t hesitate and chose the one from CCC Devo. I would not find another such a professional and well-equipped team on a continental level. This is the best place for a young rider to develop. Moreover, I’ve been following the team during whole season, so I know that it is a really strong group of riders, with 19 victories in this season. I also really liked the calendar and the fact that the team was able to participate in good and demanding races. I am really looking forward to next season. I am sure that after winter training camps we will manage to build strong team with good spirit and that we will be able to fight for victories. I can promise that I will do my best to support the guys who will be our leaders for particular races. I also hope that I’ll also have a chance to ride Tour de l’Avenir next season. 

Kamil Małecki will join CCC Team on a one-year deal. Kamil started his cycling career from cross-country and MTB, but he quickly switched to the road. He has been representing CCC since 2015. He won two stage races in this season: CCC Tour Grody Piastowskie and Bałtyk-Karkonosze. He was second in the GCs of Tour de Hongrie and Carpathian Courier Race. He also won one stage in 2017 edition of this race. Kamil is a rider who prefers one day races or short stage events. His cycling idol is Alberto Contador. Kamil admires his riding style and courage. What can be interesting -,Kamil is a huge fan of volleyball – as a young boy he also practiced this discipline.

Do you consider joining CCC Team as the biggest success in your cycling career so far?

Definitely yes. When I found out that I would join CCC Team, I couldn’t believe it. It’s hard to describe what was happening in my head back then. It was just a dream coming true. I’ve always wanted to ride for WT team and it will become a reality from January. I’m just extremely happy. I would like to thank our sport directors for their trust and the staff and boys from the current team for the work they have done for me this season. These months were amazing to me.

You started the season on a good level and your best shape came in May, when you won two stage races – CCC Tour Grody Piastowskie and Bałtyk – Karkonosze.

Together with my coach, Tomasz Brożyna, we were planning the best possible form for May – June. We had our plan, which we modified when it was necessary. And actually it turned out that this season has been very successful for me, even the best in my career, I would say. I’d been working hard all winter. Core exercises also helped me a lot, we practiced them every day during our training camps, under the supervision of our physiotherapists. I think that I made a big progress when it comes to individual time trial. I won the time trial at Bałtyk Karkonosze race and I was second in Grody Piastowskie. I have also improved my abilities to ride in mountains which allows me to fight a bit different races than before. The best example of progress I’ve made was this year’s CCC Tour. The last stage, which was crucial for GC, was a mountain stage. With the help of my teammates I managed to win. I had an advantage of one second over Maciek Paterski, who was second in GC. It was also the first GC win of a stage race for CCC Development Team. Each of us was proud of this victory.

You have been riding for CCC since 2015. For 4 seasons it was a procontinental team which meant that you had a chance to get wild cards for WT races. However, its profile has changed since 2019 – the team went to the 3rd division, but became the backroom of the world-tour CCC Team.

And that’s why I had no doubt whether to extend the contact. Sport directors have  explained to us in details what this project will be about, what are the possibilities for us – that basically each of us has a chance to join world tour team. So, there was nothing to think about. I also wanted to continue working with my coach, Tomasz Brożyna. We started our cooperation when I joined CCC in 2015. All my successes belong also to him. I think that I have become more mature in CCC Sprandi and in CCC Development Team. The team gave me a lot of motivation and they believed that I could be a good cyclist. During all this time we have had everything what is needed to become better athletes. We had properly prepared bikes, physiotherapists always did everything to help us regenerate as much as possible. The best example was day before the last stage of CCC Tour – our physiotherapist Przemek was giving me treatments until late evening. Thanks to that I probably was able to gain that one second which gave me and our team the overall win. 

Have you had the chance to talk about how the directors see your role in CCC Team?

I had a preliminary talk with director Piotr Wadecki. The details, including the race plan, will be given during training camp. The most crucial thing for me is to improve and make further progress, thanks to which I will become a better rider. I know real cycling starts at WT level. Therefore, the next season will be very important for my future. The main thing is to focus completely on cycling. Thanks to this there will be no worries about whether I will manage. I hope that I can become one of the strong elements of the team. I will work hard and do everything to make the team satisfied. Hopefully, I can stay healthy for all the season. 

What will be the biggest challenge for you next season?

I think that maintaining this systematic progress. Joining the world tour team is one thing, and maintaining an optimal shape that will allow me to fulfill my tasks well, is another. As I said – real cycling starts at the world tour level. I want this to last for me as long as possible, that’s why I don’t think what will happen in January or February, but what kind of workouts I have to do next week. I see that a few years of regular work have worked, so I just keep doing my job. I train, don’t think. I appreciate every moment spent on the bike and enjoy it. Whether it hurts or not. I just love cycling and I can’t imagine my life without it. This sport has given me unforgettable moments and wonderful emotions.

When did you realize that you want to be a professional cyclist?

I started my cycling career in Baszta Bytów cycling club. I’d raced there since I became junior. I won my first race and then I really knew then that I wanted to do cycling, because it makes me happy. Then I won several silver medals at Nationals, and those successes confirmed my belief that I had to do everything to become a professional cyclist. And in 2015 my dream began to come true, because I have joined CCC Sprandi Polkowice. However, I must admit that my first two years at CCC were simply not good. There was even a moment when I wanted to quit cycling. It was a difficult time for me, but the team gave me another chance. I knew that I had to took that chance, so I could thank the team for not stopping believing in me. A lot has changed since then – I have been systematically improving my skills, and recent months have confirmed that my career is going to the right direction.

Attila Valter finished 4th at Il Piccolo Lombardia – the last race in this season for our team. Szymon Tracz was our second best rider as he finished 14th. 

-It was my last race in this season and as its profile suited me well I was really motivated to finish it with good place. The race was really dynamic from the beginning, many riders were trying to escape and we also tried to put our rider in the breakaway. Guys, as always, helped me a lot. I didn’t feel well on the first climb but I knew it was just a short feeling and I wanted to ride in the front group – said Attila Valter.

-Then, on the final circuit I started to feel well and managed to use my power wise. On the steepest climb I dropped from the first two groups but just after that I attacked on the top and came to the front solo for last short mountain. I had good legs, after a long season the “engine” was working well. I did my best on the final sprint, but I lost podium by a half wheel. Would be great to finish in top-3 here, but thinking about how long and demanding season I’ve had, I can be happy with 4th place. Now it’s time for a fine off-season, time with family, and hopefully I’ll come back stronger for next year! – added Attila Valter.

Today in Yorkshire U-23 riders were fighting for the rainbow jersey. Our boys Attila Valter and Stasiek Aniołkowski did their best – Attila finished 31st and Stasiek 33rd. 

-There were about 12 riders in the breakaway, including me. We were caught on the main climb and the peloton was already torn. There were about 35 riders in it. At that time I tried to protect Szymon Sajnok as there was strong side wind. Then, the peloton split, Szymon stayed in the front group, I was behind him, in second group. And this is how we actually rode until the finish. Guys from the first group were fighting for podium. Szymon did his best, he was the strongest Polish rider today. As a team we did everything we could for Szymon.  He finished 17th – said Stasiek Aniołkowski.

-The first part of the race was chaotic and I tried not to stress, but to get into the rhythm of the race. It was cold and we rode very  fast. I had good legs, so as soon as the climb started, I tested the peloton and attacked several times. Later, I caught Aniołek and rode together in the front – I think this will be my best memory of this race. I regret that I didn’t get to the first group when echelons started. I was trying to do my best and worked in the front, even going solo, but our group couldn’t make it to the front. On the one hand I was hoping for something better, but on the other – I am very glad that I was able to take part in this race after the horrible crash I’d had during ITT – said Attila Valter.

Two CCC Development Team’s riders: Stanisław Aniołkowski and Attila Valter will take part in U-23 road ride at world championships in Yorkshire. For safety reasons, the organizers and UCI decided to shorten the route by one lap in Harrogate. After those changes cyclists will have 173 km to ride.

– The final laps are quite technical, there are a lot of uncomfortable turns. In addition, there are several climbs, including one tough – Harlow Moor Road. In the beginning it’s very steep – for the first 600 meters there is about 10% gradient, on the next 600 meters it drops a little to 5-6% – analyzes Stasiek Aniołkowski. A CCC Development Team rider adds that rain may be an additional difficulty – especially while riding on laps. – If the surface gets wet, you will need to slow down in corners. And as all hills are situated after corners, we will start them at low speed. It will require a lot of effort to be in the first group – explains Aniołkowski.

But before the cyclists enter the city laps, they will have to face a nearly 150-kilometers hilly route from Doncaster to Harrogate. – There are some 300 – 400 metres long hills and climbs. All of them are quite stiff with more than 10% gradient – says Stasiek Aniołkowski. The main 4 kilometer climb – Greenhow Hill is located about 20 km before entering  the city laps. According to organizers, its average gradient should be around 7,5-8%. – This climb begins with a steep wall, which has a gradient of about 20%, later it goes down to 15%. For the first kilometer gradient is over 10%. Then, until the peak, we have about 6% – explains our rider. Aniołkowski also adds that this climb may be the climax of the race.

20 km from Greenhow Hill to the rounds in Harrogate. This is where cyclists who prefer mountain riding can decide to attack. – On the other hand, it will be harder for sprinters to start this climb in the first group. They will have to chase if there is an attack. The question is whether they could catch the breakaway before the laps. As I mentioned earlier – there is also a climb on the laps. If someone attacks there, it may turn out that this can succeed. We will try to go wisely. We have good riders who will be able to fight at group finish and in these hills – adds Stasiek Aniołkowski.

– I think this race will be a lottery. It’s hard to predict who will win. Looking at the route – there is a good chance for the group finish. But it may turn out that one of the stronger sprinters will be the winner. On the other hand – if the group does not chase together, it can be that the breakaway will get their chance – says Attila Valter.

– This race may also look different due to changes of the route – so the distance from the most demanding climb to the finish is shorter . And this can become an additional motivation for a breakaway. I can promise that I will do my best and fight for the best possible result. I also hope that this time we will race in better weather conditions – adds Hungarian, for whom this year’s world championships did not start well. Attila had a dangerous looking crash during individual time trial.

– Indeed, this competition started for me in the worst possible way. Fortunately, I’m ok and I will be able to start on Friday. Of course, I’m disappointed after ITT. It was an important race to me, my coach Kuba Pieniążek prepared me very well for it. We had a detailed plan and I was following the instructions until this crash. It has been one of the worst crashes in my career so far – says Attila Valter. – I fell into a hole on the road. As it was raining and this part of the road was flooded with water, I was not able to see it. I saw the replays on the internet and I am very happy that I got out of it unscathed. I could finish the race and prepare myself for the next challenge which is road race – adds Valter.

Men U-23 road race will start at 3:00 pm Polish time. The end of the race is expected around 19:30. Broadcast in Eurosport and TVP Sport.

-Joining the world tour team has been my dream since I started training. As a young rider I used to watch the most important races with the best cyclists taking part in them. I wanted to become a part of such a team. In cycling, we all strive to be better, we sacrifice ourselves for the team, but each of us also has their dreams. One of mine was riding on a world tour level – said Michał Paluta,  current Polish national champion, who will spend next season in CCC Team. This is the first transfer from our squad to world tour team. More in the interview below.

What did you feel when Piotr Wadecki offered you a contract in CCC Team?

Michał Paluta: It was a great feeling. It is impossible to describe in words, how happy I was. Joining the world tour team has been my dream since I started training. As a young rider I used to watch the most important races with the best cyclists taking part in them. I wanted to become a part of such a team. In cycling, we all strive to be better, we sacrifice ourselves for the team, but each of us also has their dreams. One of mine was riding on a world tour level. When it appeared last year that CCC will be sponsoring the first Polish WT team, and our team – CCC Development Team – will be its backroom – it became an additional motivation for me. Being able to compete under the Polish flag at the world’s biggest races will be something really big. I’m bit stressed, of course, but it’s definitely motivating stress. I certainly will work and train hard.

Some say that you have joined world tour team thanks to winning the Polish Nationals.

I’ve been riding in CCC for the 5th season this year, and every rider is accounted not only for their results, but also for the work and commitment for the team. There are races where you work for your teammate, even though you are super strong. This is cycling and this is also seen by our sports directors. I think that in my case it also had a huge impact – I have shown many times that I can work for my teammates and that I still do a progress as a rider. I did not perceive the Nationals in a way that if I win the race, it will automatically give me a place in WT. I did not consider it in such categories. It has always been in my mind that I have to do follow my path – do the best job for the team, and when the opportunity comes – I should take my chance. In cycling, we never know when such an opportunity to fight will appear. You must always be ready for it. This is how I perceive each race, so it was the case with the Nationals. I had a chance, as it turned out I was in a proper breakaway, the team trusted me and let me ride in untill the finish. That day I felt strong and took my chance. And the fact that next season I will be able to represent the Polish WT team in the national champion jersey, will be an additional motivation for me.

No fear or anxiety? 

Not anymore. I’d had crazy time after winning the Nationals. Around two weeks of total interest –  from the media, the cycling community and friends. During these first days I was slowly getting to know what had really happened. These days were bit tough for me – I had a lot of thoughts, I barely slept. The support of my family and fiancé really helped me to quickly get used to this situation, which was new for me. I also felt some anxiety during first races in the Polish champ jersey. Now I am glad that this crazy time has already passed. I will do my best to represent this jersey with dignity next season. It’s amazing feeling to be its owner for a whole year. I also hope that in June next year we will be able to make it stay in the team.

How have you changed as a cyclist this season?

This season was special to me in several aspects. Not only because I became Polish champion and I got a contract in CCC Team. For the first time I had the chance to be one of the “oldest” and most experienced riders in the team. Until this season, I was always the young one. This year, my role in the team has changed a bit. Riding with younger cyclists, helping them and teaching them how to “read” races – on the one hand was quite a responsible task, and on the other –  gave me a lot of satisfaction. It was also very important that the team maintained its high level. Nothing has changed compared to previous years, even though this season we were competing in the 3rd and not in the 2nd division. We have everything that is necessary for making progress – experienced physiotherapists, great equipment and mechanics, appropriate nutritions and devices supporting regeneration. It is thanks to our main sponsor – Mr. Dariusz Miłek. And when it comes to more “cycling” issues – I think I improved my ability to ride in mountains. I also focused on not having a negative impact on my strong points – like dynamics and riding against the clock. I worked on it with my coach – Sylwester Szmyd. I think that I made a big progress this and last season. This progress has not always been seen in my personal results, but played a crucial role when it comes to the results of the team. 

What do you expect from your first season in CCC Team?

I want to gain experience, help the team and continue to become a better rider. I want to keep doing progress, see improvement in motor skills or my efficiency, for example. I want to be  good  all rounder. I don’t want to become a climber at all costs, but on the other hand – I would like to be ready to go on a grand tour in the future. And there mountain climbing skills are essential. In previous years, when CCC was a procontinental team, we were getting wild cards for several major events of the season. Now big and known races will be something common. I’m looking forward to this with calm head and curiosity about for example – how my body will react to such effort. I will do everything to prepare myself properly for this season and be the one of the most useful riders for the team.

Is there anything you are afraid of?

I think there is nothing to fear. This is a huge chance for me. I can compete among the best riders and start in the best races in the world. As I said – I have a cool head and I can offer a lot of commitment and willingness to work. With the support of coaches, directors and teammates and staff we will be ready for each race.

Which moments have been the most crucial for your cycling career so far?

As the first I would choose signing a contract with CCC Sprandi Polkowice in 2015. For me it was a first season in U-23 category and I have already started racing with the elite. And this certainly have a huge impact on my shape and later results. I’ve been riding in a good team, which was investing  in development of the cyclists over the years. As a CCC rider I won the Polish U-23 championship twice, in 2017 I took 8th place at the World Championships in the U-23 category. Gradually, I improved my skills and became a better cyclist, though sometimes it was not easy. I also remember the situation from 2016, when Piotr Wadecki called me and said that he would like me to start in Tour des Flanders. It was a shock for me, but at the same time a considerable distinction. It was a hell of a difficult race, which gave me experience that paid off in future years.Moreover, I felt how hard professional cycling is. I also realized how much work is ahead of me to be able to fight with such riders as equals. And another crucial moment – definitely this season – winning the Polish Nationals in the elite and promotion to WT.

We can say that’s all thanks to your grandfather…

Yes, my grandfather had a bicycle store in Strzelce Krajeńskie and he introduced me to cycling, he shared with me his passion for riding a bike. I started from the cross-country, then thanks to my coach Józef Szymański I switched to the road cycling. Unfortunately, my grandfather died a few years ago and was not able to see my biggest success. That is why I dedicated him my Polish champ title. 

Do you remember your first road training session?

Of course I do. I started in a small school bicycle club when I was 12. Rest of the boys were a bit older than me. I remember exactly where we were going, at that time we had to do 40 km. Our coach followed us on a motorbike. After the end of my session, I saw how coach did some short speed ridings with other guys. They were going around 50 km / h. At that time, it was something amazing to me and I was sure then that I wouldn’t be able to go so fast. I was tired and the last 5 km were one of the longest in my life. I was alone and the coach told me to go back home. This situation really made me be more into cycling. I even told my friends at school how long my training session had been, as it was a big thing  to complete 40 km ride. And now 40 – 50 km is such a “rest-day” ride. I have to admit that when I started cycling, I would rather describe myself as average. I had moments of doubts, but I kept on training. Some time later I won my first medal at the National Youth Olympics in MTB. And as I’m talking about it right now, I am starting to realize that it was also a kind of breakthrough moment. I felt that I had reached a different level and became a different cyclist.

Why you like cycling? 

I loved that I was doing something other than 99% of my colleagues who played football. I trained one of the toughest disciplines in the world. I started watching races and got into cycling. I could never play football, I also went swimming, but it wasn’t that. And when I got on the bike I felt that simply this was it. It was also cool that training gave me freedom. I left for a few hours outside the city, often alone. Every day I could go in a different direction, I didn’t have to sit in the hall nor in the gym. Even now, when I have a longer workout, I like to go ahead, find some new routes. Sometimes I end up in the middle of a forest or field, but at least I never get bored. And what is most important – this form of activity relaxes me a lot. Cycling is my passion and the way of life. I overcome my weaknesses every day. I raise my pain limit, I fight with myself. It’s later gives tremendous satisfaction after finishing really difficult race. Of course, during the preparation period and during the season, I have less contact with loved ones. Fortunately, my family often goes to support me on races. I’m glad to have them. They are always with me regardless of whether good or bad things happen. They always believe in me and are always by my side. 

The last question – if you could choose races for your next year’s calendar, what would you like to ride?

I think I would choose Amstel Gold Race, Strade Bianche, Milan – San Remo and maybe one of the grand tours. Riding Tour de Pologne would be of course something special. A Polish WT team at such a race in Poland would be something amazing. I believe that there will be a chance to take part in our national tour next season. Moreover, it would also be nice to compete in Tour of California. I would like to see how I would managed there. And besides, I have a great fondness for the United States. I have great memories from the World Championships in Richmond, so I’d love to race in the US again.

Attila Valter won 9th stage of Tour de l’Avenir. 67 km route was demanding and finished in Tignes. Attila took his chance and attacked solo from the breakaway around 5 km to go. 

-Hard to find words after what happened today! Biggest day in my life and my career so far. And it was totally different from Friday. Yesterday, I suffered from the start and I was dropped very early. I felt a bit sick and weak but my motivation had never gone. Today, I felt a bit better. Moreover, I knew that I have a chance to win this stage from the breakaway. So my first aim was to be in a break. I went in it after the first try. There were around 20 of us in the beginning. We didn’t have big gaps but I know there would be a different race for the yellow. It was a perfect situation for me. 10 riders were quickly dropped at the fist climb. After that several others were dropped one by one. I decided to went solo around 5 km to go – said Attila. – I pushed till my last breath and still can’t believe that I won. I exactly dreamed about that kind of a victory and I did my very best to make this dream come true. Solo win is always very special. I’d like to thank my teammates and the staff who have been doing crazy job since the beginning od this race – added Hungarian rider.

– I’m ready to fight and I think that this race may affect my future – says Attila Valter a day before he starts his first Tour de l’Avenir. He is the only rider from CCC Development Team who will take part in this year’s edition of the most important race for U-23 riders. 

It will be 26th edition of race under the current name. 153 riders from 26 teams are on the start list. There are 23 national teams, 2 regional selections and one international mixed team. The riders will be fighting during 10 demanding stages, the majority of which will take place in hilly and mountain terrain. The cyclists will be given one rest-day after six day of racing. Attila Valter will be supported by 5 other, Hungarian riders. 

– I have to say it’s a pretty crazy feeling to start a race where only “big names” have won before. Two years ago Egan Bernal took the overall victory there and this year we saw him wearing yellow jersey on Champs-Elysees. It’s the biggest and the most important race for U-23 riders in the world and I’m really looking forward to it – says Attila Valter. He also points out that his whole, Hungarian national team is motivated and ready to fight. – We have talented and hard-working riders who will do their best to mark our nation in the world-wide cycling map. Personally, I also think that this race may affect my future a lot – claims Attila Valter. 

Attila has started his second part of the season lately taking part in two one-day races in Hungary – Gemenc GP I & II (he won one of them) and Tour Alsace. – After Tour Alsace I kept training, but my sessions were a big shorter but more intense. The main aim was to have the best possible shape at Tour de l’Avenir. I feel relaxed, motivated and strong. I’m also mentally ready for this race which will be one of the hardest in my life – added Attila. 

– This year’s L’avenir is just as hilly as always. It’s a pure climbing race which is quite rare in the younger categories. I’m really keen on climbing all those famous climbs, especially in the Alps – says Attila. In his opinion, the rider who would like to win the whole race, has to stay in optimal shape during all 10 stages. – The majority of those stages are very hard, it’s really difficult to distinguish the most demanding. For sure, two last days – stage 9th and 10th, will be very hard as we will be riding to altitude with lot of kilometers in the legs. It is said that it’s hard to win the race in one stage, but it’s very easy to loose it. Therefore, you have to stay focused every day. I believe that I can show myself there – says Attila.