Valeria & Jil at @thehillsgravel race in Italy ⛰️🌧️
Valeria and Jil recently took on the challenging @thehillsgravel race in Italy, a grueling 180 kilometers with a staggering elevation gain of 2300 meters. The race featured unpredictable weather, making the already tough course even more difficult. Both athletes faced the elements head-on, showcasing their determination and resilience throughout the experience.
When asked about managing the tough conditions, Valeria shared her approach. She emphasized the need to switch into action mode right away, avoiding overthinking. In her words, it felt like survival mode out there. The terrain became increasingly technical due to the muddy and swampy conditions, but she adapted as the race progressed. By the end, she felt she was improving, despite the worsening circumstances. Valeria expressed her pride in her performance, highlighting the progress she made during the race.
Jil also had a strong experience to share. He felt confident going into the race, knowing he had trained hard in the months leading up to it. The initial flat section of the course allowed him to establish a good position before tackling the technical challenges ahead. He navigated some close calls, avoiding crashes that happened behind him, but as the race splintered into muddy chaos, he found himself riding alone for stretches. Despite the solitude, Jil felt a strong mental resolve throughout, a significant improvement from previous races where he had contemplated quitting. His focus on finishing strong kept him motivated, and he was thrilled to cross the finish line.
Nutrition played a key role in both athletes’ strategies. Valeria managed to consume 90 grams of carbs per hour, even improvising by using her water bottle to clean her drivetrain and glasses when needed. Jil, on the other hand, faced a different mental challenge during moments of isolation. Despite being physically prepared, he struggled with the mental aspect, especially when fatigue set in after 120 kilometers. The realization that there were still 60 kilometers to go tested his limits, but he pushed through, demonstrating incredible mental strength.
Both Valeria and Jil delivered impressive performances, overcoming not just the physical demands of the race, but also the mental hurdles that came with it. Their experiences remind us of the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Congratulations to them for their remarkable accomplishments!
