We have all heard that the racing in Europe is a little different to here in South Africa, but just how different is it?
Many have tried to explain it but often drift off with, “you just have to experience.”
Committed to giving herself the best shot at improving her racing, Andrea Schöfmann headed to Europe to work on her craft.
While the 19-year-old is no newbie to international competition, having experienced a bite size last year, regularly participating on a bigger stage has given her the opportunity to learn and grow as both athlete and individual.
“I’m really learning to focus on my own progress and not compare myself to others as much. I know it takes time and as an athlete and it’s natural to always want better results, but it takes time.
The talented mountain biker has shown what she’s made of by participating in a number of events, rubbing shoulders with those older than her.
“European racing is something I’m still trying to figure out. I’ve met amazing people and I’m always so amazed at how helpful everybody is, it really makes it easier.”
Andrea spent the past 2 weeks in Germany to do some flatter riding. She participated in the CIC Swiss Cup Basel and while she says she didn’t feel amazing, she beat her position and time from last year, happily taking the progress.
She is now back in Switzerland where she will race at the ÖKK Bike Revolution Huttwil next weekend and then the UCI MTB World Cup Les Gets the following week.
