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In episode 3 of Rising, we dive into Kate's unique 2021 preseason approach, the dramatic first World Cups, and how former World Cup Champion and Team Director, Frischi helps her dial in every line ahead of race day.
Life as a World Cup racer is ripe with drama, disappointment, and triumph - no less for Kate Courtney. Coming into the season, Kate showed her strong form both in short track and cross country. But bad luck isn't something you can plan for, and like a bad flashback, Kate was handed more than her fair share in Nové Město. On the same course that also was not kind to her in 2020, Kate broke her brake lever in a heavy crash before flatting just a lap later. After returning home to the US, Kate further learned she broke her wrist in that same crash.
Fresh Season, Fresh Start
Kate came over to Europe early to get a head start on World Cup preparation, an unusual take on an already packed season of travel, but her tactic seems to pay off. Her schedule included many small but critical races with the focus on getting her legs under her again. At the same time, Kate used her time in Switzerland with the team to dial in her technical skills on the bike. When the World Cup season kicked off, her preparation showed. She came out showing a side of herself that was calm and confident on track both mentally and physically.
Albstadt
At the first of six World Cups, Kate showed her strong shape. She dominated the chase group and pushed through to take strong 4th in the XCC to earn an important place on the front row for the start of the XCO on Sunday. In the elite cross country Kate again took 4th place, a strong podium finish but still a few marks off where she wanted to be, only making the fire in her eyes burn a little brighter.
“When we have those bad days, we don't pretend they weren't bad days, and we don't try to gloss over them. We take ownership over that it wasn't a great day. We didn't get the results we wanted, but as a team we're able to put a time limit on that. Let that be the emotional experience it is. And then get back to work.”
– Kate Courtney, 2019 World Cup Champion
Nové Město
Kate headed into the 2nd World Cup stop with high hopes, eager to redeem a disappointing resolution here in 2020. The first lap for Kate showed promise before disaster struck with a bad crash that broke her brake lever. A miraculous and speedy fix put Kate back on the course; shortly after, Kate flatted on the incredibly muddy and challenging course. This put Kate out of the running for a podium spot but despite a disappointing result, Kate fought through to make 50 plus passes. An incredible testament to her determination, especially given Kate later learned she had broken her wrist in the crash.
Spirit
In the weeks that have followed the announcement of Kate's broken wrist, it became clear she would also miss the Leogang World Cup. Mountain biking is off-limits for the time being, but Kate is able to train on the road. Now that her ticket has been sealed, her sights are fully set on Tokyo with the hopes of a speedy return to racing action soon. One thing is clear: while her bones may be broken, her spirit certainly is not.
Video: Susie Theis
Photography: Kifcat, Michal Cerveny, Remi Fabregue
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