Žiga Sernec is certainly one of the biggest surprises and discoveries of the jubilee tenth edition of the Race around Slovenia Extreme. Although unknown to many before the race, a 29-year road cyclist, otherwise a full time specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, was not the first to face extreme endurance cycling. In 2016, he performed at Slo24Ultra and won the second place, while in pairs he successfully completed also the 12-hour Schinderei race. It took him 46 hours and 16 minutes for the trip around Slovenia, which was firmly enough for second place for his first visit to our race and so he convincingly became the rookie of the year. A friendly person to speak to, among other things, surprised us also with the share knowledge and professional background of regarding the appropriate bike racing preparation and the awareness of his own capabilities. For our ‘’Behind the Scene’’ section, we are revealing the background of this promising young Slovenian ultra-cyclist.
Žiga had a serious intention to participate in Race around Slovenia already in 2016, but due to the cancellation of the race, he had to postpone his plans to the next year. For starters, he couldn’t avoid the question of what impressions the very first visit to the 10th run of Race around Slovenia made on him. "My impressions of this year's race are remarkable. I had no big expectations, as hadn’t attend the race before. I also liked the calmness and accessibility of the organizers." Similar opinion about the course of the race and competitive atmosphere was also summarized by the members of his supporting crew: "The team says that the tracking ability of competitors was very good, as well as intermediate results. I was also impressed by the fans around Slovenia, '' he added.
As he told us, he participated in Race Around Slovenia with a clear purpose: "Yes, I joined the race with a clear goal that involved racing, just like I do every race." He further explains: "As always, I have dealt with a scientific approach. Since I am a doctor, this approach is very interesting from a professional point of view, and so I really found myself in the training of Aleksej Dolinsek, who has been my coach for the last three years. Together we made a plan and constantly monitored physiological adaptations, feeling, blood counts and according to the weekly data, we adjusted training accordingly." With such a carefully planned professional approach, the result is neither questionable, nor is his commitment to the goal: "I tried to get the most out of my free time, which in the months before the race meant focusing on my job, training, food, rest and regeneration. From beginning it was very much planned out well and theoretically I knew that I can do it. But of course, on such a difficult race it also depends a lot on luck and having the right supporting team to do its best. "
As he told us, he participated in Race Around Slovenia with a clear purpose: "Yes, I joined the race with a clear goal that involved racing, just like I do every race." He further explains: "As always, I have dealt with a scientific approach. Since I am a doctor, this approach is very interesting from a professional point of view, and so I really found myself in the training of Aleksej Dolinsek, who has been my coach for the last three years. Together we made a plan and constantly monitored physiological adaptations, feeling, blood counts and according to the weekly data, we adjusted training accordingly." With such a carefully planned professional approach, the result is neither questionable, nor is his commitment to the goal: "I tried to get the most out of my free time, which in the months before the race meant focusing on my job, training, food, rest and regeneration. From beginning it was very much planned out well and theoretically I knew that I can do it. But of course, on such a difficult race it also depends a lot on luck and having the right supporting team to do its best. "
And it was precisely his supporting crew that did amazing work that proved to be indispensable in controlling the course of the race. Those of the more attentive fans will thus probably remember his moderate but still reliable beginning of the race, to which he later on started adding a pace. And that turned out to be the right decision as he was clearly gaining on competitors in the final part of the race. "In the first part, the task of the team was to stop my pace, because at first I felt like a bull with a red flag in front of me. They performed this task perfectly, which in the second half of the race more than paid off and turned out to be a perfect tactical move."
But despite his youth, Žiga Sernec is not completely new to ultra cycling. Moving on from road racing cycling into this extreme endurance discipline, he soon realized that very long training was really pleasing to him and that after long rides he felt great. "I noticed that my body tires in a different way compared to other riders, and that I do not have physical problems with long training or lack of motivation. At that time, I was also a bit stuffed with just doing cycling uphill races and grandfondos, so I wanted to try something new. Ultra sports have always fascinated me. I wanted to take the DOS-RAS Extreme since I heard about it, but the thought of really doing it came gradually. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this goal was feasible. My first ultra-cycling race was Slo24ultra 24h solo. I applied for it because back in 2016, DOS-RAS Extreme was canceled, which is a pity, because I really felt well prepared." With a very committed team, he reliably bargained in to the second place in the overall ranking, which was an incredible achievement for the whole team. ''But it made me know that I my decision was right'', it further confirms the correctness of the personal decision.
But despite his youth, Žiga Sernec is not completely new to ultra cycling. Moving on from road racing cycling into this extreme endurance discipline, he soon realized that very long training was really pleasing to him and that after long rides he felt great. "I noticed that my body tires in a different way compared to other riders, and that I do not have physical problems with long training or lack of motivation. At that time, I was also a bit stuffed with just doing cycling uphill races and grandfondos, so I wanted to try something new. Ultra sports have always fascinated me. I wanted to take the DOS-RAS Extreme since I heard about it, but the thought of really doing it came gradually. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this goal was feasible. My first ultra-cycling race was Slo24ultra 24h solo. I applied for it because back in 2016, DOS-RAS Extreme was canceled, which is a pity, because I really felt well prepared." With a very committed team, he reliably bargained in to the second place in the overall ranking, which was an incredible achievement for the whole team. ''But it made me know that I my decision was right'', it further confirms the correctness of the personal decision.
therwise, the DOS-RAS Extreme is also known for combining the extreme variety of competitors and their ambitions. However the impressions and emotions that the race triggers in all the participants have always been indisputable: "The beauty of this sport is that you have to deepen yourself a lot before and especially during the race. Although you compete with others, you have to concentrate on your well-being and psycho-physical condition, otherwise you cannot succeed. The excellent result of ultra-cycling competitions is the recognition that we can do almost anything if we really want it much," Žiga emphasizes the importance of good psychological preparedness and emotional strength for a successful performance on such a demanding cycling test. "When you finish the race, you find that you can achieve really great things if you really want it. All you need is to firmly believe in yourself and those who stand by you."
Žiga Sernec worked with the Rog team on the DOS-RAS Extreme test this year Team, to all well-known producers of the cult urban bikes called Pony. As he explains, the idea of cooperation and motivation for joining the race came from both sides. One of his good friends, later also an active member of the team, had previously worked under the auspices of the Rog team. "With Rog, I'm mostly involved in races where they helped me a lot, and at some promotional events, such as Goni Pony, for example. I've known all the team members even before the race. Well, four of them were already in my team at Slo24Ultra 2016, but I only met one team member before the competition. Another friend of mine invited him to the team, which proved to be a great move, as it was an indispensable part of the race and we became good friends."
Žiga Sernec worked with the Rog team on the DOS-RAS Extreme test this year Team, to all well-known producers of the cult urban bikes called Pony. As he explains, the idea of cooperation and motivation for joining the race came from both sides. One of his good friends, later also an active member of the team, had previously worked under the auspices of the Rog team. "With Rog, I'm mostly involved in races where they helped me a lot, and at some promotional events, such as Goni Pony, for example. I've known all the team members even before the race. Well, four of them were already in my team at Slo24Ultra 2016, but I only met one team member before the competition. Another friend of mine invited him to the team, which proved to be a great move, as it was an indispensable part of the race and we became good friends."
It had already been clearly seen on Wednesday, that is, on the day of the official opening of the race and the draw of the starting numbers - the youth and attachment coming from the team members around him, which is rarely so. "It's true, everyone in the team is quite young but they gave 200% for this race and I really did not need to do anything other than just turning the pedals. In fact, during the race on the bike, you know nothing but the roads ahead. In the meantime, the whole circus takes place in the accompanying vehicle,'' Žiga emphasizes the importance of the supporting team in achieving a good result. '' But on the other hand, it would certainly be interesting to test the race from that point of view, as a crew member or a fan. ''
With a predictable frosty spring weather, such a long race as DOS-RAS Extreme is practically impossible to control completely by the teams. Even with good prediction of all the scenarios, the race always delivers a surprising action. And that is exactly why we asked him which situation during the race will he remember the most and which story spread a smile on his cheeks for a long time even after the race. ''It happened during the ascent to the Sleme when we were on the road for more than a day and the second night during the race was approaching. I felt great, but I wanted to refresh my mouth a little and get rid of that unpleasant feeling on my teeth. So I thought it was a good time to brush my teeth. To do this during the ascent, it was clearly a good idea, as speeds are much smaller going uphill. When I told the team, they immediately went to the action, and so Bali (Rok Balažič) prepared a toothbrush with a thick layer of toothpaste ... Well, so it seemed to be... But when I brushed my teeth for a minute I couldn’t find out why my mouth soars and no foam is coming from the paste itself. Of course, I quickly mentioned this to the team only to find out that instead of a toothpaste I mistakenly receiver a brush with a Voltaren Gel on it. It is a gel, used against muscle pain. When I was able to wash my mouth with water, I reacted against anticipation with a boom of laughter and good will. This aroused me and I woke up for a few more hours."
With a predictable frosty spring weather, such a long race as DOS-RAS Extreme is practically impossible to control completely by the teams. Even with good prediction of all the scenarios, the race always delivers a surprising action. And that is exactly why we asked him which situation during the race will he remember the most and which story spread a smile on his cheeks for a long time even after the race. ''It happened during the ascent to the Sleme when we were on the road for more than a day and the second night during the race was approaching. I felt great, but I wanted to refresh my mouth a little and get rid of that unpleasant feeling on my teeth. So I thought it was a good time to brush my teeth. To do this during the ascent, it was clearly a good idea, as speeds are much smaller going uphill. When I told the team, they immediately went to the action, and so Bali (Rok Balažič) prepared a toothbrush with a thick layer of toothpaste ... Well, so it seemed to be... But when I brushed my teeth for a minute I couldn’t find out why my mouth soars and no foam is coming from the paste itself. Of course, I quickly mentioned this to the team only to find out that instead of a toothpaste I mistakenly receiver a brush with a Voltaren Gel on it. It is a gel, used against muscle pain. When I was able to wash my mouth with water, I reacted against anticipation with a boom of laughter and good will. This aroused me and I woke up for a few more hours."
Given the recently opened applications for the race, we were also interested in what the rookie of the Race around Slovenia would advise someone who, for example, is just thinking about whether or not he would participate in this ultra-cycling spectacle. Either for the result or for other personal reasons - that is, as a novice to a novice. Žiga here answers here carefully: "He should definitely think about what is his main reason for entering the race." He continues with the explanation: "Whether his desire is merely to take the test, or the result is also important. That decision importantly affects the strategy and the psychic preparation for the race. I would also very much advise all the newcomers to pay attention to the selection of the team around them. But above all, try to relax as much as possible before the race and to enjoy during the event, which is a privilege that cannot be afforded by everyone," he concludes with positive thoughts about the experience steaming from participation in the ultra-cycling race.
And his plans in the near future? "I definitely have great ambitions in ultra-cycling", says Ziga. "With the last DOS, we also qualified for RAAM. Cycling will probably always be a big part of my life, and I will dedicate myself to it in accordance with other wishes and obligations," he explains and emphasizes that in the future, he especially wants to dedicate himself to his profession and family as much as possible. ''But to put all this into a 24-hour period, it's real art. For me, the ideal length of the day would be at least 48 hours! "But nevertheless, this promising ultra-cyclist can still be expected by fans at the start of the Race around Slovenia. "Can you expect to see me back at DOS?" Of course! I certainly did not say the last word! For 2018, I do not plan to make big bikes on the bike, otherwise, never say never. "
"To conclude, I should once again emphasize that without such an exceptional team my success would be impossible. Everybody was so highly motivated and focused on our goal - firstly to take maximum care of my safety and then finish the race in less than two days. I would also mention all the members of the team: Maruška Poček, Sandra Kamenšek, Mojca Serdoner, Niko Korber, Matic Sevšek, Rok Balažič, Denis Dečko, Jernej Pušnik. They are golden!''
And his plans in the near future? "I definitely have great ambitions in ultra-cycling", says Ziga. "With the last DOS, we also qualified for RAAM. Cycling will probably always be a big part of my life, and I will dedicate myself to it in accordance with other wishes and obligations," he explains and emphasizes that in the future, he especially wants to dedicate himself to his profession and family as much as possible. ''But to put all this into a 24-hour period, it's real art. For me, the ideal length of the day would be at least 48 hours! "But nevertheless, this promising ultra-cyclist can still be expected by fans at the start of the Race around Slovenia. "Can you expect to see me back at DOS?" Of course! I certainly did not say the last word! For 2018, I do not plan to make big bikes on the bike, otherwise, never say never. "
"To conclude, I should once again emphasize that without such an exceptional team my success would be impossible. Everybody was so highly motivated and focused on our goal - firstly to take maximum care of my safety and then finish the race in less than two days. I would also mention all the members of the team: Maruška Poček, Sandra Kamenšek, Mojca Serdoner, Niko Korber, Matic Sevšek, Rok Balažič, Denis Dečko, Jernej Pušnik. They are golden!''
SPECIAL NOTES
I would like to dedicate this race to my late father-in-law, who, too early on, died three months before the start of the race. He was the first one to thrill me for cycling and that's why I started to flirt with ultra races. From him I heard for the first time about DOS-RAS Extreme and I will never forget that when I was riding my bicycle across Kozjansko, during my first cycling kilometers, he explained to me how RAS is taking place in those parts of Slovenia and what exactly is this race. I was impressed and decided - I'm going to this race once!
I would like to dedicate this race to my late father-in-law, who, too early on, died three months before the start of the race. He was the first one to thrill me for cycling and that's why I started to flirt with ultra races. From him I heard for the first time about DOS-RAS Extreme and I will never forget that when I was riding my bicycle across Kozjansko, during my first cycling kilometers, he explained to me how RAS is taking place in those parts of Slovenia and what exactly is this race. I was impressed and decided - I'm going to this race once!
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