Stage I

I was looking forward to this tournament and thanks to the special stages that were announced but also because of my vacation. When I took map in my hand I was surprised. At first glanceI realized I have not raced on an area like this. I chose to go to the first control on path. Although the detour, I welcomed the choice, because on the first hundred yards I almost did two twists on that terrain. On all sections I have taken paths that led me as closer as possible near the station. It was extremely interesting at fifth control were was such a rocky area I couldn’t see which was the rock I was looking for.
Although I expected the winner to realize a small time, she first for more than 10 min / km. It was an extremely interesting experience, and after this stage I ancious to see what croatia will reserve at the other stages.

Stage II

As I had accomodation in Opatija and I have seen the surroundings, I waited the second stage, in Opatija. I went excellent at the first three controls, which I have taken with ease. I have I passed the forth control and I lost precious seconds. AT the next control
same thing happened. After the two consecutive mistakes I tried to focus more and I managed until 12 control where I was a little confused and I could not read the maps.
Unfortunately section between item 13 and 14 was totally uninspired, thing I’ve seen
only after I finnished the route. The result was not a great, but for me was still grateful. Stage was great, many people, good weather, technical route, ie all the ingredients of a successful stage.

Stage III

It was the most hilarious of the stage. Although we went to the forest with 2:00 before the start and we had to go only about 70 km from the place we stayed, I have started the contest 35 minutes later. GPS led us to unsuspected places and roads unbeaten, although the map was the most recent. Most cool though was that it led us to the point of destination, but how … is no good to talk:)
Arriving at start and seeing me, the referee asked me if you still want to go even I went 30 minutes later. Definitely the answer was a yes, I didn’t want to miss the area.
I didn’t felt sorry, technical trail was short and exciting. Too bad for the 30 min delay, Otherwise I was in the top six for this phase.

Stage IV

Here began heavy: a distance longer than the other three stages, for which I was not ready. The route started interesting: the section between 1 and 2 have done big mistakes, and I couldn’t find out where I were. Although all went very Well utnil the end, I’ve never managed to remove the troublesome section from my head and the ‘miracles’ that I had
made there.

Stage V

It started well, but at 4-5 I’ve managed to mistake again, and more then this, although the day before I had problems in the same area and now I have reduced the running speed, I still lost more than 10 minutes. If after that control until 14 I managed to go well, the section of Item 14 to 15 raised my big problems and final time soo biig … : (

Instead of Conclusions

1. A contest worth participate: technical trails, good organization, beautiful places
what do you wantmore than this?
2. For me it was the most technical and demanding routes which I ever ran, and troubleshooting guidance (although sometimes it was not satisfactory) helped me to polish my technique.
3. You shouldn’t miss Croartia Plitvice lakes! Wherever you are staying, make an effort to visit them. Paradise on earth …