We spoke to Jan Barta about racing and his success on the morning after his victory at the Czech Time Trial Championships.

Jan, how important is this title for you?

My first thought was, I’ve finally done it. After coming second twice in a row, I was desperate to win. I headed off with my successes at the Coppi e Bartali, Rund um Köln and at the Giro d’Italia fresh in my mind. My legs felt good, I felt good. I fought as I always do, because I really wanted to bag this victory. Now I am delighted!

You mentioned something about a defect during the race. What happened?

The chain came off during the race because of a bump in the road. I tried to get the chain back on the pinion while on the go using the gearshift, but it didn’t work. I had to get off quickly and put the chain back on by hand. This took about 15 seconds. I knew that I would have to make up for this time and set off again as fast as I could. Luckily, everything turned out alright.

Did you prepare specially for the individual time trial?

I concentrated on preparing for the championship as best I could. After a grand tour it is very difficult to say how much training and how much regeneration is necessary in order to be perfectly prepared for the championship. I found this especially difficult, since the Giro d’Italia was my first three-week tour. So during the first week I trained 1½ hours every day at moderate speed. During the second week I increased the time, but still kept the speed down. It was only during the third week that I did three training units; two at a very high intensity and one as moto training. This was evidently just the right mix for me. 

As national champion you will now be able to sport a newly designed time trial suit. Are you looking forward to that?

Of course I am, and above all, I am very proud that I will be able to wear the time trial suit in my national colors all over the world.