Slovenian downhill championships took place in Kranjska Gora, one week after the iXS EDC race. However, conditions were very different. Strong rain created lots of mud, but today terrain started to dry thanks to strong winds and even some sun.

Conditions made racing even harder, and our riders find the right answers for it. Zarja Černilogar first won in the elite women category, which came to a bit of surprise since she’s still struggling with the injury of her wrist.

Jure Žabjek and Žiga Pandur had clear plan, go for a title. Jure was faster and took his second national champs in a row, Žiga was third. Second place went to Miran Vauh.

Riders of our youth development team Rajd-Funsports also had lots of success! Rudi Pintar won the junior title, Žan Pirš was third in under 15 category.

National Championships race in Kranjska Gora also gave points for Slovenian DH Cup.

Zarja Černilogar, 1st place: “I didn’t expect to win, that is why the victory is so much sweeter! I have to say I’m happy with my racing today, there were some mistakes, but I managed to save every one of them. This is my fifth title, every one of them has a special place in my hearth. Now I have to get back to doctors to see what exactly is going on with my wrist and go on from there.”

Jure Žabjek, 1st place: “I can’t do it with a ride like that – that was on my mind when I came to the finish. I did some crucial mistakes, but looks like so did everybody else and my time was fast enough.
I felt very strong before the race, I went to Kranjska Gora to defend the title. Conditions were nothing like those on iXS one week ago, the track was much slower. It was very hard to access how much can you let it go, but looks like I found the right balance.
First title was great, defending it was also very good.”

P.S. Jure was also fastest on Slovenian downhill championships in 2012, but he was still a junior at the time, so he got a junior title.

Results on mtb.si
Slovenian cycling federation
Bike Park Kranjska Gora

Photos by Klemen Humar / klemenhumar.com