david valero (Baza, Granada, 33 years old), number 1 in the world ranking of mountain bike universal runner-up and Olympic bronze medalist in Tokyo, will close an unforgettable year living in a different experience in the Titan Desert Saudi Arabia that will start next Tuesday in Neom, the futuristic city of the 22nd century, where the Andalusian will start as favorite in front of 220 participants.
An original way to close a magical year for the man from Granada, “excited about a strange, fascinating adventure”, after being number 1 in the specialty with World Cup victories, Snowshoe victory, two podiums in Mont-Sainte-Anne and Vallnord and 4 Top-10s in Albstadt, Leogang, Lenzerheide and Val di Sole.
.- Question: What made you accept the challenge of competing in Arabia?
.- Answer: I came to this test with the idea of adding 4 days of training to the preseason, in a place with a good temperature and enjoying a good atmosphere. I want to live this experience and be close to the fans, live with them. I followed the Titan of Morocco and I am sure I will learn a lot. In addition, the fact of sharing the experience with jaimas will be good for me to escape from ordinary life.
.T.- Olympic medal and world silver will have a big change in your life.
. A.- Yes, the truth is that there was a sudden change in my life, I went from a calm rhythm as an athlete to various events and commitments, things that are part of my job. I am happy with this change, besides, I want to be in touch.
.T.- What is more important, the Olympic bronze medal or the world runner-up?
.R.- The Olympic medal is more important and transcendent. It has more impact, without a doubt. The Olympic Games are a special event, they are held every 4 years, it is difficult to get to them in good condition. After the bronze medal in Tokyo, you can talk about before and after my life.
.Q.- Your results came after 9 years as a professional, after a long struggle.
.R.- They are the result of a lot of work and sacrifices, of being away from family, of team concentrations, of getting bad results and then good ones, of overcoming injuries. I think, in the end, it was all worth it. With the results obtained, everything is forgotten.
Q.- This year the World Cup almost escaped. Now your goal is gold at the Paris 2024 Games?
A.- This year I wanted to win the World Cup, and I held it. At least I’ve proven that I can achieve this by fighting, it’s something I’m excited to achieve. This is the short-term goal, of course with the Olympic event in Paris.
Q.- You have been training since 2021 with Carlos Coloma, Olympic bronze medalist in Rio 2016. What does it mean to work with him?
A.- Starting the collaboration with Coloma is a big change and a bet. I trust myself, and between the two of us we put a lot of energy into the work required to achieve results. Carlos knows from experience how a runner feels all the time. We form a perfect tandem, and that also helps to take pressure off me, he knows the current riders.
.Q.- How do you see the current level of mountain biking in Spain?
.R.- In Spain we have a good pool of runners as a product of the work done from the base. A process that is becoming more and more perfect, professional, and I believe that in 3 years there will be good results.
.T.- You have the privilege of making a living from your hobby. I was still young, it was clear to me that I wanted to be a mountain bike cyclist.
.R.- Soon I started mountain biking and went to Baza school. I used the bike as a means of transportation, I made routes in the mountains near my hometown. The bike is fun and I used it when I was working as a mechanic in a bike shop. Over time I was able to dedicate myself one hundred percent to this sport.
.Q.- You have a 4 year old son, do you want him to be a cyclist?
.R.- Yes. I want to, but I won’t force him either.
.P. Returning to Titan from Saudi Arabia, being number 1 in the world ranking is worth winning.
.R.- I will try to win, but let’s see how I am. The year is long, but I will try to give some arreón, which will be good for me. There are tough rivals and it’s my first time on a Titan, and you have to navigate as well. I hope navigation is not a problem, I will try not to get lost. I have an adventurous spirit and I adapt to everything.
.P.- First of all, to enjoy the experience.
.R.- Yes, want to meet Neom. I want to discover new places, I hope to go to Morocco sometime. I am Andalusian and I like that climate.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
