Byron Munton : Summary of the Slovenian races:
After much anticipation we finally got to stand on the start line of a race, for most of us close to 7months without top level competition. Leading up to this the team spent a good amount of time together in Croatia. Putting in the hard work during the Training camp and most importantly getting to know each other.
The first of two races in Slovenia. The plan was to try and have someone represented in the breakaway, an opportunity to show off the Epronex-Hungary colors and potentially a way to get a good result based on the terrain/roads.
My self and Szarka Gergely were able to get in a move each but unfortunately due to the makeup of the move each were brought back rather quickly. And unfortunately once a small move did go we were not represented.
With a small group up the road we put all the focus on trying to have Karl positioned as well as possible going into the final circuits in the city, a 5km lap with a climb of around 800m in length. We knew if he was able to go with the leaders to the finish there was a good chance of him getting a result for the team. With two laps to go Karl Adam just lost touch with the lead riders and rolled over the line in the next chasing group.
To summarize the opening race for 2023: a shock to the system.
GP Adria Mobil
On paper a race that would likely be a lot more controlled and end up with a bunch sprint, and that is exactly how it played out. We again tried to have a rider represented in the breakaway, between Stekki,Marton and Mark they gave their all to be there. On the other hand we also needed to make sure that we didn't let anything go too far up the road as we had Karl eagerly awaiting a fast finish. Eventually a move went away after a crash that I managed to find myself involved in. Luckily I was able to get back to the peloton relatively quickly. Entering the final circuit the breakaway started to look more and more dangerous, with about 40km to the finish we decided that I would try to assist ATT Investments and Maloja Pushbikers in chasing. All three teams chasing had now committed to bring the breakaway back and with 20km to go the race was neutralised!
I can't say much about the last part of the race after the effort put into the chase, but we had both the youngest riders in the team, Kristoff and Mark. As well as Szarka and Marton there to help Karl in the final. In the end Karl finished 17th in a technical bunch sprint. We could visibly see he was really not happy about which shows there is a lot more to come from him. It may not have been the result we came for, however from start to finish we showed we were there to win, maybe the final did not plan out but for our 2nd race of the season we definitely made a big step forward. We showed we were there to Win!
A huge thank you to everyone behind the scenes, sponsors and partners of the team. Getting to the start line of the races, knowing we have the full support of everyone really goes a long way into getting the best possible results out of each of us!
