Hello everyone.
We’re back after a two-month break from racing for the fifth round of the year in Valencia (at the Ricardo Tormo circuit).
Following the Aragon round, I took a three-week break. Getting back into the swing of things, I was a bit short on pace, but it helped me rediscover the joy of riding. Afterward, I stepped up my training—even in the heat—which is how I arrived in Valencia at a higher level than before.
Three weeks prior, the team and I held a two-day test to dial in the settings.
Thursday: 28°C (82°F) and not a cloud in the sky. I spent the day finding my rhythm while riding solo; tomorrow, I’ll start testing myself against other riders. Everything is going very well!
Friday: I tested my pace by following a few rivals to see how the bike performed in terms of power (since we had a deficit back in Aragon). I was able to keep up and overtake on the straights, so we’re in good shape there—the team did a great job. I’m still lacking a bit of drive when getting back on the throttle, but it’ll be fine. My lap times keep dropping, and I’m now able to clock a competitive time as early as the first lap.
Saturday: Qualifying took place in the morning—earlier than usual, at 9:00 AM. The track was cool, and I didn’t feel entirely comfortable, though I wasn’t the only one; I actually held the fastest time until the halfway point of the session. Some riders opted to fit a second fresh rear tire, which improved their times. We hadn’t planned on using another one, so I ended up qualifying 6th—five tenths of a second off 2nd place and eight tenths off the top spot.
Race 1: I got off to a good start, and at the second corner, I pulled off a brilliant overtake around the outside—my best in a long time—against the rider currently sitting 2nd in the championship. Unfortunately, I lost the position I’d just gained only 4 corners later, dropping back to 6th. I fought hard throughout the race and managed to climb back up to 4th. The rider in 3rd was 2 seconds ahead—too far for me to catch. I’m really happy with this result, as I finished just 5 seconds behind the winner. Thanks to the grid reshuffle (where the top 9 finishers start in the same order as they finished the race), I’ll be starting 4th tomorrow.
Sunday was time for a comeback. I had a good start; two riders dived to the inside at the first corner, but I took the outside line and, thanks to some late braking, reclaimed my original position. The lap times were much faster than the day before, but I held on, staying glued to the rider in 3rd the entire time. With 4 laps to go, I decided to make a move since I had better pace. At the end of the straight, I pulled out and passed him on the inside of turn 1. I stayed in front, fending off his attempts to overtake, all the way to the checkered flag.
I’m absolutely thrilled!!! That’s my second podium of the year, and I finished just 3 seconds off the top spot! I had a fantastic time in this race—and throughout the whole weekend. I’ve never felt stronger (in fact, I’ve moved up to 4th in the championship standings, just 1 point behind 3rd place).
Aaaaaahh, that feels great. After Aragon, I took a 3-week break. At first, I was a bit lacking in pace, but it helped me rediscover the joy of being on my bike. Afterward, I worked harder, smarter, and more intensely than ever before. That’s how I arrived in Valencia at a higher level than I was at previously.
Next week, we’re heading to Navarra for the second time this year. I’m fired up and ready to go!!!
Thanks to everyone. Elliot#9
