Nico and Lasse Konecny, the determined mountain biking duo from Breckenridge, have showcased remarkable resilience and skill, emerging as top contenders at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships held at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania. Their impressive performances underline their tenacity and commitment to the sport, despite overcoming significant obstacles throughout their cycling careers.
Nico Konecny’s Remarkable Comeback
Nico Konecny, just 18 years old, staged a stunning comeback this season. In May, the young rider endured a severe accident in Austria, resulting in a broken jaw, fractured upper maxilla, and several damaged and lost teeth. The injuries left him uncertain about his racing future. Despite the setbacks, Nico remained patient and focused on his recovery.
A few weeks post-accident, Nico surprised many by competing in Breckenridge’s Firecracker 50 race on July 4. Initially uncertain of his condition, he raced alongside his brother at the front of the pack. By the second lap, Nico took the lead and clinched the title of 2024 Firecracker Champion. “The Firecracker was a test to gauge my comeback,” Nico said. “It went really well, so we shifted our focus to nationals, working closely with doctors, my family, and my coach.”
Confident in his recovery, Nico entered the junior 17-18 boys cross-country race at the national championships on July 20. He began strong and, after breaking away with other top competitors, surged ahead on the third lap to secure his second consecutive cross-country title with a time of 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 57 seconds.
In a poignant gesture, Nico honored his late USA Cycling teammate Magnus White, who tragically died in a biking accident in July 2023, by dedicating his victory to him. “Last year’s nationals were my last race against Magnus,” Nico reflected. “I wanted to carry him with me this year. This win was for Magnus and all those who supported me.”
Ezra Caudell followed Nico in second place with a time of 1:09:17, and River Valdez secured third with 1:10:31.
Lasse Konecny’s Mental Resilience
While Nico battled physical injuries, Lasse Konecny faced a different set of challenges. Struggling with the mental aspects of competitive racing, Lasse had a tough season, including disappointing performances in Europe and at the Firecracker 50. Despite contemplating ending his season, Lasse chose to persevere and prepare for the national championships.
“I had many doubts leading up to nationals,” Lasse admitted. “But working with my brother and coach, I decided to return to the basics and focus on enjoying the ride.”
By the time of the national event, Lasse’s renewed mindset paid off. In the men’s U23 cross-country race on July 20, he positioned himself near the front, initially following last year’s champion Brayden Johnson. Despite falling to third after a descent mistake, Lasse fought hard, finishing second overall with a time of 1:25:34, just behind Carson Hampton (1:25:22) and ahead of Johnson (1:26:11).
“I was surprised and pleased with my performance,” Lasse said. “After the Firecracker, I almost took the season off, but sticking with it led to a good result. I’m really happy with second place.”
Final Races and Future Prospects
The Konecny brothers capped off their participation at the 2024 Mountain Bike National Championships with the short-course cross-country races on July 21. Nico secured second place behind Oliver Welcker of Bear National Team, while Lasse finished ninth in the U23 short-course race.
Looking ahead, Nico will continue to race with an automatic spot on the 2024 World Championship U.S. team secured by his national title. Lasse awaits confirmation on whether he will also be selected for the team. As their season progresses into early fall, the Konecny brothers remain poised for future successes, buoyed by their recent achievements and resilience.
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