Mireia Badia shares her thoughts on racing Women’s Enduro GP – taking the win in Round 2 and leading the Championship. Nailing Round 1 Stage 2 win followed by Round 2 Stage 2 win, the Spanish Enduro and ISDE rider has plenty to smile about heading into Round 3 in Italy, Round 4 in Wales, and Final Round 5 in France on September 13.
Drawing on wealth of experience which has produced 3x Silver Women’s Enduro Championship in 2020, 2021, and 2022, along with 8x Spanish Women’s Enduro Champion and 3x ISDE Team rider, Mireia hones all focus to maximize her performance against equally determined field of rider’s.
And, racing has produced tight results from Round 1 in Fafe, to Round 2 in Valpacos, Portugal on terrain varying from rocky, slippery tracks including obstacles, to dry, dusty lines testing each rider’s level of versatility on the bike.
Mastering Stage 1 and 2 Special Tests – taking 4 wins, 3 seconds, and 5 thirds on Saturday, followed by 6 wins and 3 seconds on Sunday – Mireia delivered consistent performance of 1:25:21.03 and 1:06:07.76 to claim overall victory in the Championship with Rieju Factory Team/RFME National Team.
Mireia: ‘”I try to focus on every special test and think about my mistakes and try to change lines when needed. For me, I think the only secret to improve is to compete in more races and gain a lot of experience on the bike. This has helped me to improve a lot. And for sure, riding with the best rider’s in the world’s is always good because you need to push more and try not to make mistakes”‘.
For sure, Mireia absorbs what is most important to her to produce progressive results from one season to the next. Focusing on what she enjoys – racing in natural environment’s surrounded by supportive Team, family and friends – Mireia remains true to what she wants to achieve without compromising her integrity when racing yields top results or otherwise.
Mireia: ”’When I train I try to do similar things that I will face in races. Because, when I see obstacles in a race, I feel more confident that I can pass these and also the difficult parts in the extreme tests for example. What I normally do is set a lap time, then see if I can improve it. I train to improve my strength and endurance, but I also work on the mental side – as you have to have confidence in yourself to overcome any obstacles in the race”‘.
With a 12 point buffer ahead of P2 Francesca Nocera in overall standings, Mireia can breath confidently, that Round 3 in Italy will be another test of her skill-set ahead of the Final 2 Rounds in August and September. Plenty to excite, knowing her performance is more than ready to claim top step of the podium again.
Header photo: Mireia Badia taking the overall win in Women’s Enduro GP Round 2. Image: Team
Words: Sharon Cox.
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