- Xross Team®
Vladimir Vlk is our friend and fellow hard enduro rider from the Czech Republic. For several years now he competes at Xross Challenge in the PRO category, but you can also see him riding in races all around Europe. He first saw Xross Challenge on YouTube and when he found out about the location it didn’t take him a lot to decide to come to Tara mountain. And from then on he keeps coming back. We chatted with Vladimir about hard enduro, check it out.
To begin with, can you tell us something about yourself – how long have you been riding hard enduro, did you ride or practiced any other motorsport before? And are you a professional rider or enduro is a hobby for you?
I bought my first enduro in December 2011, when I broke my collarbone in my second ride in the forest. In 2012 I just ride for fun. Since 2013 I have made an amateur license and started to ride cross country and enduro in the Czech Republic and now it is the 3rd year that I join the hard enduro races in foreign countries. I ride this sport as a hobby.
Vladimir during Xross Challenge 2017 / Photo by Predrag Vuckovic
You just came back from Enduro Panorama, how was it? Can you tell us, in which races have you participated so far and what are some of the most interesting races for you?
This year I tried the Pro category at the Panorama and the race was hard for me, I haven’t made some CP. The race was for four days. I participated in races in Croatia (Extreme Enduro Lika), Bosnia (Race of Pain), Romania (King of the Hill, Panorama), and Serbia – Xross Challenge. The favorites are Enduro Lika and Xross Challenge.
You are coming from the Czech Republic, what can you tell us about the hard enduro scene over there?
There are some good hard enduro riders in the Czech Republic. Currently, David Cyprian is the best. For me, however, Martin Volný is the best. There is also one hard enduro race in the Czech Republic called the Drapák rodeo. Unfortunately, we are a small country that is densely populated, so there is not much opportunity to practice in places like Tara mountain.
Hard enduro is really a tough sport and requires both physical and mental strength. How do you keep yourself motivated during tough moments?
I always try to enjoy the ride and when difficult moments come I always say to myself that this hard uphill or downhill must have an end.
A battle between Vladimir Vlk and Peter Topić / Photo by Predrag Vuckovic
For several years now, you are a regular at Xross Challenge, how did you hear about our race and decided to come? We suppose that you liked it because you are coming again, but what about Xross Challenge made you come back to Tara mountain every year?
First I saw it on Youtube. When I found out what the location was and that the race is for three days, the decision was quick. Beautiful nature, friendly atmosphere, and a great track. I like that the organizers prepare the track so that it is difficult but passable. I think that racing in such a beautiful place, as the Tara mountain is a dream of every rider from the Czech Republic. That is why I hope that more riders from the Czech Republic will come this year to enjoy this race.
What was the toughest moment that you found yourself into on our race and how did you deal with it?
Due to rainy weather, last year was hard, mainly the Saturday race. There were new hard sections.
Vladimir in Miha’s creek last year / Photo by Attila Szabo
What do you like the most about hard enduro? Is it the fact that you get to travel and visit some beautiful locations, or is it a challenging part of the sport that you like the most?
I like hard enduro because you have to be strong and also be in good physical condition. You must have experience from motocross, enduro, and trial.
Thank you, Vladimir. Cross Team wishes you success in the upcoming race from 14 to 16 June at Tara mountain.
