Author: JT Team

Second rest day. I have to say that I am extremely happy about it. It was quite intense racing, especially the last three stages. I took the ITT as an activation before the stages that were coming up. We had a short stage straight after the ITT, with a final short climb, but nothing special happened. The breakaway riders settled for the win and the peloton with the GC riders made it safely and without any shocks to the finish. There I saw that I was still feeling good, as I was always by our team leaders’ side until the finish. Then it was a flat stage where we reached the finish without any problems. After that, we had two extremely difficult stages where we all knew it was going to be hard from start to finish.

The Tourmalet stage was without a meter of flat and from start to finish the pace was extremely high. Unfortunately, Jonas got a puncture on the first long descent, before the Aubisque climb, which is considered a very difficult climb, and we knew the pace would be high on this climb. I had to stop and wait for Jonas on the downhill and bring him back to the main group or to the front of the peloton. It was quite a project because the peloton was stretched out and it was very difficult to get to the front on the descent. Fortunately, the descent had some flat sections, so I was able to overtake the main bunch there and bring Jonas into the first quarter of the peloton by the bottom of the climb. Because I had used quite a bit of energy and because the breakaway hadn’t been worked out yet, I knew that it was going to be very difficult for me on this climb. I kept in contact for 15 minutes and then had an explosion in my legs. I simply had no strength left and I lost contact with the peloton. Nevertheless, job done, Jonas was back in the peloton, and the rest of the guys, especially Robert, did a great job and we finished the stage with Jonas winning, Sepp in second and Primož in third. 100% result for our GC riders.

The next day was no easier. From the start there were attacks and by the first climb, a breakaway group had formed. We wanted to control the race ourselves, but the UAE took the stage into their own hands. They dictated a high pace on the first climb, where I felt great, easily keeping in touch with the first 40 riders, but a technical failure on the descent stopped me. The spoke on my wheel broke and I had to stop and wait for the car to change the bike. As there were many groups of cyclists, the car was not behind us either. I knew I wouldn’t see the first group again as I was too far behind. The team did a great job again and we were all happy, including myself, because I could see that I was feeling great, I just needed some luck to stay longer with the first group.

The last stage before the day off was very much in the escapees’ favor and we knew there would be many attacks. But we didn’t think there would be so many. There were a lot of attacks, GC riders were attacking us, and it was far from an easy stage. We worked very well with the team, taking turns to cover the breakaways and keeping everything under control, so to speak. The breakaway again accounted for the win, and we made it to the finish safely and without any problems. Tired, but happy, because we made it to the second rest day. I took the rest day again calmly, had a good sleep, and did a 1h30min recovery with a few short intervals to keep the body alert. Then rest and prepare for the new week, where it will be decided who will win this Vuelta. So far, I feel great, we are getting along great as a team, we have everything under control and I can’t wait for the new week.

A well-deserved day off has finally arrived. I must say that the first nine stages were very difficult and unpredictable, but I enjoyed every kilometer of the race. We experienced everything. Sun, rain, storms, slippery roads, and wind. We overcame all obstacles together and achieved our goals by the first rest day. Sepp is deservedly in the leader’s jersey, while Primož and Jonas are also at the top.

The team time trial was really stressful. Slippery roads, darkness, and high speeds. There were also some dangerous corners and we were driving at the limit the whole time. It is especially difficult because you have to follow the teammate in front and trust. You have to take a lot of responsibility yourself, so you don’t take the corner too fast. Everything went great, unfortunately, Jonas had a flat tire and we had to wait for him. In the end, we were just happy to make it through the finish line in one piece.

I myself am extremely satisfied with the level I’m at. Everything is going as I planned. More than great actually, considering that a few months ago I couldn’t even walk, let alone think about racing. I’m not very tired, but a day off will come in very handy. Very difficult stages are coming and a lot of work and effort will be required. I hope the weather will be better in the next stages.

My main job here is to take care of Jonas and Primož. I carry water bottles, take care of positioning before the key moments of the race, and try to be with them as long as possible. Sometimes I stay with them for a long time, and sometimes I spend a lot of energy already at the beginning of the race, so it’s difficult to be there in the final. The atmosphere in the team is excellent. We get along really well and everyone does a great job. This can also be seen in our results. I really enjoy racing and it all helps me feel great during the race. I really enjoy it.

Yesterday’s stage was very stressful. We knew it was going to be windy and as a team, we decided not to wait and we launched the action immediately. It’s always better to be ahead than chasing behind. Given that the terrain was hilly, all of our domestiques spent a lot of energy to ensure that our leaders were at the forefront and that they are still in the game for the red shirt. A nervous day, but a successful one for our team.

The days at the race are otherwise quite busy and end late in the evening. First thing in the morning, I drink coffee, then I have my breakfast, and soon the transfer with the team bus to the start follows. Transfers to the start and after the stage are long. Between an hour and an hour and a half. So, we spend three hours a day on the bus. Before the race, we have a team meeting on the bus. After the race, shower, and transfer to the hotel. Then massage and a late dinner, usually between nine and half past ten. We don’t have much time for other things. I usually start watching some movie/series to fall asleep.

In the coming week, there are already very difficult stages on the schedule. I will ride the time trial tomorrow easy to gather and save as much energy as possible to help our leaders in the following days. It’s definitely going to be a tough week, but to be honest, I can’t wait. As long as it’s sunny, it will be a great week. 😎

After a successful and intense training camp in Tignes, the time has come to (finally) finish training, focus on recovery, and turn all my focus to the races. Only 4 days after the training camp, I traveled to Spain, to the Burgos race. To be honest, I was quite nervous as it had been a while since I last raced. Nervous in terms of whether I would still know how to ride in the peloton 😊 The fear was in vain, and I quickly fell into a rhythm. Everything is different after such a long break, especially compared to starting a new season after a long break. After such an accident as I experienced, you always think the worst afterward. Vuelta Burgos served me as a kind of test and final preparation to improve my form. I had some swings in my performance. In the first, the TTT stage, and in the fourth, I felt more than great. In the third and last stage, I still felt that I needed some rhythm before the so-called (new) main goal of the season – the Vuelta a Espana. I gave my best in every stage and pushed my body to the limit so that it could get used to the racing rhythm and the heat. At the same time, I focused all my efforts on helping Primož win the race.

At the race, I felt like a kid who got his first bike. Many times I thought of the words of doctors and physiotherapists when they said that rehabilitation would be long. Three months ago I got back on the bike for the first time. I felt pain in my knee for quite some time and it was difficult to do the training. Looking back now, I don’t think it was as hard as it seemed at the beginning. I put in a lot of effort, I believed that I could come back this year, and right now everything is paying off. I will be at the start of the Vuelta, where I will do everything in my power to help my team in winning the third grand tour this season.

Just being at the start is a big achievement for me. The team is extremely strong and the fact that I was selected in this Vuelta team tells me a lot about the team’s trust in me. I am very grateful to be back. In the end, it will be what it will be. If I cross the finish line and know that I did everything in my power, I will be happy. I’m already happy now that I can pin the number and spin the pedals in Barcelona. Vamos!

Photo: Cor Vos, Ziklix Photo

Preparations in Tignes are going well. We have fun with the boys and train really hard. Even over 30 hours a week, everything from high-intensity training to long rides, even for 7 hours. The weather is kind to us, we are lucky that we only have rain on our days off, which doesn’t interfere with our plans regarding preparation and planning of trainings.

The first week was difficult, as the body had to acclimatize to the high altitude. But I survived and I can feel myself progressing day by day. The last training sessions were already an excellent indicator that the form is not far from the best. It will take some work, but I still have some time to get to 100%. The days pass quickly, and most of the time we train, so there is not much energy left for the rest of our free time. The team perfectly takes care of all the necessary regeneration, from massages to deliciously prepared meals. So, we can really focus only on training. I’m already a little tired, but there’s not much left until the end of the training camp. After these preparations, it will be necessary to rest well and recover, because soon it will be time for the first race after the injury and that is the Vuelta Burgos 😎

I remember after the pre-Giro accident, I told myself to take this injury as motivation to try to get back to racing as soon as possible. It is becoming a reality. There were hard days lying on the couch and then physiotherapy and training, both in the gym and on the bike – but all the hard work is paying off now. I learned a lot from this situation and became even stronger mentally. We will be able to see how ready I am very soon. I can’t wait! To be honest, I’m also a bit tired of all the training. It’s really time to pin the number back 🤝🤗

Photos: Personal Archive and Team Jumbo Visma

Hey, how! It’s been a while since the last post. It’s time to fill you in on what’s been happening 😎

Until June 7th, I was killing time on the rollers. But finally, the day came when I could hit the road again. It felt like a breath of fresh air, literally! It only took me a month to go from drowning in a sweat on the rollers to enjoying the open air on my bike. I immediately got extra motivation and that week I trained twice a day, sometimes even three times. I mainly used the rollers to warm up, then hit the road for one or two hours.

Alongside my rides, I also had strength training and physiotherapy three times a week. It kind of took me two-thirds of June to get used to riding with a knee that wasn’t quite 100%, but seeing that every day was a huge improvement, I woke up every morning hungry for more progress. Sure, there were days when my knee would swell up a bit and I’d feel some pain, but with rest, ice, and the amazing regenerative powers of the body, I was ready to train again the next day.

I’m very grateful that my body healed up so quickly. But from there on out, it was all up on to me and the effort I put into training and rehab. I started very serious training in the last ten days of June. No obstacles, no limits on time or intensity. Sure, sometimes after an interval training, I would still feel pain in my knee, but there was never a step back. I trained 25 hours/week on the bike and another 3 hours in the gym. So, I have already completed a large amount of training and now I needed a chill week to rest before I go to the altitude preparations in Tignes.

As for my race program, I still don’t know 100% where I will be competing, but I really want to be at the start of the Vuelta. There is still some time before then and I believe that I will be ready. I’m really missing the races right now. It’s been way too long since I last pinned on my race number.

Finally, thanks once again to my family, team, fans, friends, and everyone who stood by me and helped me in my quick rehabilitation. I believe that we will see each other again this year at some race. Vamos! 😎🕺

Photos: My camera roll

Well, it’s been a while since the last blog. After Milan-Sanremo, I had a week “off”. Just easy riding, no more than 2h30min, without effort and just recharging the batteries before the new training camp kicked off. And just like that, the week was over and I was already packing for Teide. Of course, I packed too much. The weather was much better than the first time on the mountain and we didn’t see any snow 🙂 Shorts, short jerseys, and lots of sunscreen. Three weeks of hard training. Four, five, six, and even seven hours. Sleep, food, rest, and counting down the days until the Giro.

Before Giro, I stopped in Liege. After very successful and hard preparations, I wanted to test my form and went to Liege-Bastogne-Liege very motivated. A breakaway was quickly formed and until Bastogne we mostly had the wind in our chests, so the race was quite calm and controlled. But when we turned back towards Liege, it started. High speed, stress, and positioning before crucial climbs. Some previous editions of LBL have often ended with an early attack and a strong group of riders making it to the finish. This time I wanted to make the race hard myself. Unfortunately, I made it difficult for myself 🙂 In this attack, I thought that several teams would decide to try to isolate QuickStep and Remco. Unfortunately, everyone was waiting for his attack. We all knew where it would happen. Once I was in front there was no more braking. Just head down and full gas. I caught the breakaway group and continued my pace. Little did I know that this attack would end without a successful result. They caught me on Radutte, a few hundred meters below the summit. Nonetheless, I had to get to the finish line. I was extremely happy with the form, but yes, I could have chosen a different tactic. Despite everything, I was satisfied, because I confirmed that I am ready for the Giro. After the LBL, I had a few more days of rest, and some short training sessions to somehow recharge the best as possible after the difficult block of training camp and the race.

Then it was time to go to the Giro. Extremely excited and couldn’t wait for the Grande Partenza. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a Grande Nightmare for me. I won’t write anymore about what happened, how it looked, because to be honest, I don’t want to remember anymore and I’m trying to put this terrible day behind me.

I’m at home now. Surgery done and feeling useful 🙂 I spend most of my time lying down. I do some knee exercises, some light stretching and that’s it. I have three destinations. One is a sofa, the other one is the bed and the third is a slightly adapted seat at the table. Just in case if someone comes to say hi. Otherwise, horizontal position. I shouldn’t put any weight on my legs for at least a few more weeks. I think I’m having a good time all together, but it’s definitely not easy. Every now and then everything falls apart in my head, but I always get to the point where I know deep down that everything will be ok in the end. Now I just have to be patient and “enjoy” the days off.

The first 14 days after the surgery were crucial for me to rest completely. Because of the wound after the surgery, I had to be really careful to prevent any infections. I was useless. After 2 weeks I was given the green light to have the stitches removed. The wound has healed nicely and now the rehabilitation can really begin. The exercises, stretching,… strength exercises will have to wait a little longer because I can’t burden my leg with extra weight. Even if there is no physical training, it is undoubtedly very good mental training.

On this occasion, I would like to thank everyone once again for the encouraging words and I hope that soon I will be able to publish a new blog, where I will already write about training and preparation for new races.

Photo: Personal Archive

The 2023 season is already in full swing. I had a busy schedule for the first three months, but it could have been worse. A slightly different program awaits me than what I was used to until now. In the team, we really dedicate ourselves to coming to the races with adequate preparation. Last season I was used to doing the last training camp in January and then racing, racing, racing. This time everything is different. In February I spent more than 3 weeks under a volcano, in Tenerife (El Teide). I know how boring it can be up there because there is nothing to do. We trained a lot, so my time went by very quickly. We spent one-third of the day on the bike and I was already exhausted from the last week. We are talking about the amount of training, which in comparison to the Grand Tour is very similar 🙂 But with great company, despite the bad weather in the first 10 days, we successfully completed the trainings for the first races and the biggest goal of this season, the Giro d’Italia.

After the training camp, I flew directly to Belgium for the Opening Weekend. The weekend was an indication that we had done exceptional winter preparation. Two wins, second and third place. When you see how we all raced well, helped each other, and encouraged each other, you get new motivation and want more. Although it was difficult since I had already been away from home for more than a month, all the effort is paying off. Then some riders fell ill, and the race program had to be adjusted. So, I jumped into the Paris-Nice race.

Probably one of the most stressful one-week races, but I couldn’t wait to go to the start of such a prestigious race with such a strong team. After the first two races in Belgium, I was extremely tired and maybe I didn’t quite come to my senses. The race started near Paris, with not-so-pleasant temperatures and a nervous start. Thank God we all finished the first stage safe and sound. We rode in the front, so we were 100% focused on the team time trial. I love this discipline, but when I looked at our team, I knew it was going to hurt like never before. Current world champion, 2x former world champion, Tour winner… The speed was incredibly high, and we all suffered from start to finish for the win. We succeeded and we were in front of an excellent starting point for the first mountain stage. Jonas tried, but this time Pogačar was stronger. Two flat stages followed, where we aimed high with Olav. After 4th and 2nd place, he also proved that he belongs among the best sprinters and won the 5th stage. Joy again. The next day Mother Nature won. Due to strong winds and storms, the organizers canceled the 6th stage. I think it was the right decision because I know what it’s like when the wind blows over 100 km/h (gusts were up to 130 km/h). The last two stages decided the overall winner of the race. Saturday’s stage, with an uphill finish, is one to forget. I still felt good at the start, but already after the first climb, I felt that something was happening, that something not ordinary is brewing in my body. Breakaway at the front, me in the group, but because of the heat (yes, the Garmin also showed 32°C, almost a 30°C change compared to the first day), I boiled. Typical of the first warm day. I have had problems with this in previous years. I felt extremely bad. The team and I decided that it is better if I go slowly to the finish line in the grupetto. Of course, I wanted to finish the stage, because my girlfriend Urša and my brother Sašo were waiting for me at the finish line. I haven’t seen Urša for more than 1 month and it was a great motivation to finish the stage, although during the stage I thought about quitting because I felt so bad. However, it was worth the effort. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much time, but it’s a great feeling when you see your loved ones after 1 month of hard work. After the stage, all possible thoughts went through my head… but mainly what will happen the next day, because we had another difficult stage. I also know that after a bad day, sooner or later you’ll be back. At least that’s what I believed. And yes, the last stage, which is considered the most difficult one, because it’s rock’n’roll all day. Short stage, last chance for GC, stage chance, breakaway… I went for the breakaway, which meant I recharged well. The stage was, so to speak, one long time trial. All out to the finish line. Or, for me, to the start of the Col d’Eze. The peloton of climbers caught us on the penultimate climb and from there I helped Jonas as much as I could. Jonas finished the stage in second place and third in the GC. Of course, for a Tour winner, he expected more, which is logical, but I think it was still a good start for the team and Jonas. TDF is still far away, and I believe that the story will be different there. Tadej, however, proved once again that he was stronger than the others in this race.

After the stage, I immediately switched my focus to the next race, Milano-Sanremo. After two days of rest, I completed a successful training on the third day and got the feeling that I am slightly better prepared than the week before. I went into the race extremely motivated, especially since we had Wout on the team. Already the winner of the longest race and we aimed to win this year as well. Unfortunately, the race did not go as we expected, but Wout made the most of the day. Plans began to collapse with my fall. The fall happened just before the first key slope – Cipressa. Due to a sign on the road indicating roadworks, the rider of the other team pulled out at the last minute, understandably, he doesn’t want to hit the sign at 50km/h and it was probably a natural instinct to turn into me. Unfortunately, it knocked me to the ground like a button from trousers, as they would say in my hometown. Changing the bike and chasing the peloton. I started the slope at the back. And I know how high the speed is in this part of the race, so it was almost impossible to come back. I was already within 10-15 seconds at the top of Cipressa, but the peloton was too fast. A personal disappointment, but it could be worse. Everything is ok, with a few scratches on the body, and a couple of days of bad sleep. Since the Giro is the main goal of the season, it was necessary to take some rest, since I have been on the drive since January. If I want to be mentally and physically ready, the week after the MSR was a great time to do 8 days without a specific program and ride the bike at will. I rode a bit, enjoyed it and now I’m ready to restart again. Again, I have 3 weeks of training on the Teide scheduled, then straight to Liege-Baston-Liege and then the Giro. I can’t wait, Primož is already in great shape, and I’m really excited to help him to the best of my ability.

Photo: Getty Images, Cor Vos Pro, POO, Personal Archive

The new year brings freshness to the cycling world. We have known for a long-time which cyclists remain in the same teams, and which will change colors with the new season, but cycling contracts are tied to the calendar year, so the cyclists can officially show their new colors only from January 1. On New Year’s Day, cycling enthusiasts are excited to follow social networks to catch all the posts of riders in new jerseys. In Syuk’s camp, we were particularly excited this year, because after four years a massive change in the color scale was promised. Since January 1, Tratnik has been an official member of the Team Jumbo-Visma. Based on the first impressions that he wrote about “the bees” for this blog, the 2023 season is going to be a very interesting one and we can’t wait for it to start as well.

“The off-season was calmer this year. I spent it at home, without a holiday under palm trees. I had a lot of trips during the season, and right at the end, there were two more cherries on top of the cake (long trips to Canada and Australia). To be honest, I was only interested in lying on the couch after the season ended. At the mention of airplanes and any kind of travel, I got an allergic reaction 😊 After a good month “off”, which I spent actively on the MTB bike, I was mentally and physically ready to start the new season.

November was dedicated to getting back into the rhythm as soon as possible and slowly raising my fitness. The trainings were low-intensity and in a medium extent. In December, however, we started to raise the bar a little. With the new team, we also spent 12 days at a training camp in Spain. I continued training during the Christmas holidays and suddenly it was the new year when it gets real. 1.1. – new profile photos, this time in yellow-black colors, and officially, the start of the new season. There is no more rest and other obligations. My life is focused on two months of hard work to be ready for the first races. Eat, train, sleep, repeat – something like that.

I start racing at the Opening week in Belgium: Omloop and Kuurne, followed by Strade Bianche, Milano-San Remo, and a stage race across Catalonia. Then I will compete in the Belgian classic Liege-Baston-Liege, where I will activate my legs before the biggest goal of the season – the Giro d’Italia. Everything we do is geared towards the Giro. I want to be 100% ready there to try to win with Primož. We have a strong team, for all terrains, and we are definitely one of the favorites to win. However, we still have a lot of work to do to get there.

I spent 4 seasons with the Bahrain team, that is, from 2019 to 2022. I can say that those were very beautiful years that I will definitely remember. We achieved quite a few nice victories together, as well as defeats, but I also learned the most from the situations. All the experience will come in handy in the future. In 2023, I became a new member of Team  Jumbo Visma. When I found out that the team was interested, I didn’t think much and we reached an agreement very quickly. Watching their progress over the last years, and how each rider improves in his performance, I wanted to experience it myself. I want to become the best version of myself so that once I finish my career, I won’t have anything to blame myself for because I’ve tried everything. That I will know I have reached my maximum. I am firmly convinced that I can make these wishes come true in this team. They provide me with the best equipment and materials. Nutrition is also at the highest level. If I can pull 1-2% from each of these areas, that will be a lot. I also see that the change in environment had a very good effect on my motivation: new people, new culture, new goals, and plans. Everything motivated me even more and I can’t wait for the continuation of training and the first races.

Of course, my role here will be a little different and I will be a domestique most of the time, but I have no problems with that because the team spirit and the awareness that all members of the team are responsible for the victories is very strongly present. I really can’t wait to get started and see where I can go.”

It was a very successful season but with a bit of an aftertaste. I can say that I am extremely satisfied because I proved that I could race and fight with the best in the biggest one-day classics. The World Championship hurt. I have learned in my career that you should never give up. In 2013, I almost put the bike in the corner, but then I persisted, believing that I would succeed one day and after a few years, I came back to the world tour level. I will also persevere, believe and train now to achieve a top result in the future. Now that my head is clear, I channeled all my anger into motivation, which has grown even more after this season.

Looking back, I’m proud of how my career turned out. Up, up, up, then a cold shower and slowly making my way back up. Next year, I am racing for Team Jumbo Visma. I believe that I will hone all my weaknesses, have the best support in terms of equipment, coaching, nutrition, and materials, and I really can’t wait to see where it will take me.

I probably wouldn’t have gotten to this point without some people who helped me in the most challenging moments. When I no longer knew what to do with myself. To those who didn’t turn their backs on me and believed in me – you know who you are. The list is long, but I have to mention a few of you. Miran Kavaš, with whom we started training again and building step by step my physical and mental abilities. Dejan Bajt, who recommended me to the Amplatz BMC team, so that I even had a team for 2014, otherwise I would have been without it. Team CCC because they opened the door to professional cycling for me again. Team Bahrain Victorious, in which I established my place in the world tour. I learned a lot in those 4 years with them and I’m grateful for the experience. Especially, for all the support they gave me. To all my friends, with whom we have been together since childhood and who have supported me since the beginning of my career. To the family. Idrija. And Urša. We went through some difficult times, but we both believed, saw the light at the end of the tunnel, persevered together and we made it.

The season is over, the new one will start soon. I will be “already” 33 years old, but I don’t think of it as old. I believe if you think about it, you’re making yourself old. As long as the legs are good, and the head is in place, anything is possible. If you persist and believe. I’m going on a new journey. Such that I believe will be successful and I can’t wait for it all to begin.

I would like to thank everyone who followed me and cheered me on during difficult and beautiful moments. I will do my best to continue enjoying cycling together.