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Blaza Klemencic: "The popularity of sports depends on its presence in the media"

Blaza Klemencic is one of the best mountain biker in the world. The 30-year-old Slovenian starts both in the Olympic Cross Country and in the Mountain Bike Marathon. She has already succeeded many times in both categories. This season Klemencic rides for the FELT ÖTZTAL X-BIONIC Worldcup Team and looks forward to the upcoming home game in Offenburg.


1) You`re very versatile and you do start both in cross country and in mountain bike marathon races this season. Which is your favourite discipline?

In the marathon, I have indeed done the better results, but I prefer riding cross country due to the fact that I prefer the shorter distances, the more technically demanding courses and the stronger competition. In addition, Cross Country is part of the Olympic Games and they are the dream of every athlete.


2) This year the Marathon World Championships take place at St. Wendel. You have already won a bronze and a silver medal. Why will you win the gold medal this time?

I am optimistic for St. Wendel because I know the course well and like it very much. On this course I managed to win a World Cup in 2005 and always performed well at St. Wendel. But the competition is strong, especially Sabine Spitz and Esther Süss are candidates for victory.


3) After a mechanical defect at the World Cup opener in the English Dalby Forest, you managed to catch up from grid 58 to place 16 in Houffalize (BEL). What are your goals for Offenburg?

In Dalby, I had very bad luck but in Houffalize, I showed that I belong to the world elite. In Offenburg I will now try to reach the top 10. My starting position is much better than in Belgium. I also like the technically demanding course setting on the home track of my team.


4) In Slovenia you are a sports star and the media reports on you very often. How can mountain biking get more popular in general?

In Slovenia, there is a lack of strong competition. The popularity of depends on its presence in the media. In Slovenia road cycling has a bigger significance than mountain biking. As the men and women start at the same spots and as the courses are designed more attractive for the spectators, mountain biking becomes more and more popular. Now, it is important that the media recognizes the potential of mountain biking.


5) Let us take a look behind the scenes. What is your everyday life?

As I finished my studies in October 2009, I do not have to manage this double burden any longer. Now I can concentrate much better on my sport. Usually I have training twice a day. In my spare time I like to watch television or DVD. But most of all I like to sleep much and for long time.


6) What is your most important issue that needs to be solved by the policy?
 
There are so many problems that it is difficult to focus on one single thing. I think, it is important that we never lose the importance of the individual. The individual gets lost increasingly in today.

 
Photo Copyright: Ernst Lorenzi / Team FELT ÖTZTAL X-BIONIC