Dominik is heading to Brisbane: I want to defend the title and bring another gold to the Czech Republic

Dominic, a year ago you became world champion, this year you added the title of European champion. When you look back on that period, how did you progress the most as a competitor?

I probably moved the most in my head. I'm much more confident at races. I realized what all I had to do for the shift and why. The people I work with help me in this, and I am grateful to them. They make me stronger and better prepared. I work a lot more on different techniques on the track. I work more on myself, on details. I communicate more with the coaches, I discuss individual things with them. And there is still work to do, because I have big goals.

Last year's European Championship ended in failure, but this year you fixed everything in the best possible way. Was the European title worth more to you?

So in Latvia, I didn't concentrate enough at the start in the final, and that's why it turned out the way it did. I went 50/50 into the corner and then crashed. Every year the title has more value because every year we are more balanced. This year, I also won the European jersey, which I am very happy about. The announcement was already taking place with the elite categories and when they played the Czech national anthem during the announcement, it was the most!

In Brisbane, you won't be fighting for your first title, but you will be defending it. Do you see it as more motivation, or rather more responsibility?

Both - it is a greater motivation and a greater responsibility for me to defend something that I already managed last year.

How are you preparing for the World Cup? Do you focus on something different before such a big race than during the regular season?

My coach and I have a clear plan that I stick to. Now my training is maybe a bit more intense, focusing on the specific type of track that will be in Brisbane.

You have already had the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the track in Brisbane. How does it affect you and what do you think will decide?

I like the track, it looks pretty fast. Of course, something can be invented during the entire course, but the most important thing will be the start and the first level.

What type of tracks do you generally like the most and do you think Brisbane will be one of them?

Fast and technical tracks suit me, but I can handle any. I think Brisbane will be one of them.

Do you think the key will be the start, the technique, or the ability to handle the pressure of a big race?

A combination of everything together. I need to keep a calm and clear head throughout the day, focus only on myself and do my best to get off to a good start and manage everything to the first corner. And if not, there are still interesting places on the track where you can gain an advantage over your rivals.

Who do you think will be your biggest competition at the World Championships in Brisbane and which rider will you have to watch out for the most?

Since the World Cup is held in Australia, I don't know most of the opponents, so I can't really pinpoint the biggest competitor. I was looking at the rider list. There are 32 Australians, four Colombians, 12 New Zealanders, 10 Americans and other nationalities. I know guys from Europe, I know what to expect there. I will take care of everyone, I will not underestimate anyone and I will focus on myself.

In the Boys 15 category, the Czech national team is exceptionally strong. They say that strong domestic competition is the best way to succeed on the international stage. Do you agree with that?

Just the fact that there were four Czechs in the final of the European Championship, and not for the first time, answers part of this question. It turns out that the guys work a lot on themselves too. Strong domestic competition is a bonus, but only when compared to the foreign scene will it become clear how each rider is really doing.

Is there anyone among the world's riders whose riding style inspires you or is fun to watch?

I don't have a particular rider, but I like the style of the French riders.

When you stand at the start of the final race, do you try to squeeze everything out, or is it the atmosphere of a big race that can kick you up even more?

At the start I focus on myself, but at the same time the atmosphere, the speaker and the audience can excite me even more.

Do you believe that the Czech expedition can bring more medals from Brisbane?

I certainly hope so. For how small our rider base is, we are heard all over the world. I have my favorites, to whom I wish the best, who ride great all year, but I don't want to name them so as not to shout it out. I will hold my fists for them.

What do you think a fan should watch during a race to better understand how challenging BMX Racing really is?

That's a tough question. The jumps on the track and the fast ride full of technical elements are certainly interesting for spectators, which is really big from a certain category and the contact between the riders is close. The competitor himself knows that the start is important. The viewer should definitely watch how the riders work with the track. Every little mistake is punished. You're already driving at high speed and it only takes a moment of inattention to make a mistake. Therefore, in order for more people to know bicross, there is a need for many more quality riders and successes in this sport.

What would you like to say to the Czech fans who will be watching your rides in Brisbane?

I would like to thank everyone for their support. Every message from you encourages and motivates me and I am glad that you follow me even at night on the other side of the world. Keep your fingers crossed and I hope to bring you another title to the Czech Republic!