Mohoric ventures 'into the unknown' after error in Belgian hospital with combo Unbound and Tour de France

In a week and a half, on June 1st, the Unbound Gravel will once again take place in Kansas. This 320-kilometer self-supported gravel race through American gravel roads is rapidly growing in popularity. This year, gravel world champion Matej Mohoric will be at the starting line, following an early end to his spring season and before his participation in the Tour de France later in June.

In an extensive interview with Siol.net, Mohoric reflected on the past and looked ahead. The Slovenian had his sights set on the pivotal Sundays of April, but a crash in the Tour of Flanders ultimately derailed his plans. "The injury itself wasn’t too severe, but recovering was a nightmare. I suffered a cut under my elbow that required stitches, but it wasn’t properly treated at the ER in Belgium."

"The wound worsened and got infected, leading us to try antibiotics. Eventually, I had to return to the hospital for a second surgery, which prolonged the recovery," Mohoric explained. "I was really disappointed, especially after four months of hard training. Now, I'm trying to focus on improving next time and remembering that there are always ups and downs."

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Mohoric rides Unbound several weeks before Tour de France

The next up could well be Unbound. "I look forward to that day, but admit it fills me with... I won't say fear, but respect. I am aware that I am venturing into the unknown, much more than at the World Championships in Italy. This race is 320 kilometers long and it's of course completely different from road racing. You have to constantly develop high power, completely different from a Milan-Sanremo."

The Slovenian hasn't specifically trained for it. "Road cycling is quite explosive, but now it's about being able to ride a faster average. Riding hard for five minutes doesn't pay off in Unbound, so I also don't know if I can keep up with the best riders." The so-called Dutch mafia, including Laurens ten Dam, Niki Terpstra, Jasper Ockeloen, Ivar Slik, and Thijs Zonneveld, certainly has a formidable competitor in him.

So why didn't he choose to train on gravel? "My focus is entirely on the Tour and the training for it is simply different, but I'm definitely going to try to go far. I see it as a special challenge," concludes Mohoric, who will also participate in the Tour of Slovenia and the Slovenian Championship before the Tour.