In January 2024, young mountain biker Arne Janssens signed a contract with the Swiss team jb BRUNEX Superior Factory Racing. Let’s take a look back on a season rich in emotions.
Quickly integrating into this professional structure, renowned for supporting and developing young mountain biking talent, Arne was able to benefit from high-level support. Comprising experienced riders, the team provided him with continuous technical support, both in terms of equipment and physical and psychological preparation. “I learned so much during this season,” says Arne. “Thanks to the whole team, and especially my Austrian teammate, Gregor Raggl.”
Learning and progression
The first year in a professional team is often a challenge for young athletes, but Arne adapted quickly. “The races are more intense, the level of the competition is higher, and the expectations are greater,” says Arne. “This first season helped me develop much greater physical and mental endurance.”
However, the start of the season was a bit rocky… In April, during training for the first two rounds of the World Cup in Brazil, Arne got injured. At the end of May, he fell during the first World Cup event in Nové Město, Czech Republic. The result: a broken foot and seven weeks of rehabilitation. “The first half of the season was disappointing. It was tough dealing with the injuries,” Arne admits. But he didn’t give up - he put in long endurance rides to get back in shape. By mid-July, he was ready for the Belgian Short Track Championship, where he finished in the Top 5. “I was at my lowest, but I managed to recover and come back even stronger.” Two days later, he finished 4th in the Belgian Championship in Beringen.
Passion, determination, and performance
Back in competition, Arne showed he could keep up with the best. The races came one after another, along with impressive results. At the end of July, he won the sprint for 6th place at the M3 Montafon marathon in Austria. In August, he made the Top 10 at the Criterium in Aachen, finished 2 minutes and 30 seconds behind the winner at the European MTB Marathon Championship in Denmark, and claimed 2nd place on the podium at the Belgian Marathon Championship in La Roche-en-Ardenne.
Arne also discovered gravel racing, which could be compared to trail running competitions. Gravel combines sections of roads, forest trails, and gravel paths, and he loves it! At the end of August, he also competed in the Gravel World Cup in Houffalize and finished once again in the Top 10. In early October, he met the world’s best riders at the Gravel World Championships in Leuven. “It was an amazing experience! An opportunity I couldn’t miss, even though it’s not really my discipline.”
Finally, in mid-October, he participated in the European Gravel Championships in Asiago, Italy, crossing the finish line in 8th place after covering a very technical 153-kilometer course. “I gave it my all in this last race. It feels great to end the season on a high note! I am mentally and physically stronger than ever.”
The team cohesion and shared experience with more seasoned mountain bikers proved beneficial for Arne’s development. “My broken foot cost me the XCO season,” Arne confides. “But the last two months have been fantastic, and I managed to secure a few podium spots.” Throughout this year, alongside the unwavering support of his family, Arne could also count on the support of KARL HUGO. “I would like to thank Stephan and Bernd Hugo for the trust they placed in me. I’m proud to be part of their team and to enjoy the support of a masterclass company like KARL HUGO.”
