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Two men who share a passion for sport and the mountains met on Chopok. Igor Rattaj welcomed one of Slovakias most successful athletes, cyclist Peter Sagan, to Jasná. The conversation that followed was not only about cycling. It was about returning home, lost fitness and big plans for Jasná.
Chopok as a return to the roots
“Since I moved away from Slovakia, I usually go skiing in Italy,” the world champion admitted. Yet mountains have a special ability – they always draw you back. And for many people, Chopok is a place where childhood memories meet new experiences.
What does cycling retirement look like?
Igor Rattaj asked Peter Sagan directly: “What does cycling retirement look like?”
These days Peťo is no longer chasing five-hour training sessions. He rides a bike for pleasure. He attends events, meets people and rides for an hour or two. No longer professionally – but with a smile.
“I don’t push it that hard anymore,” he says openly.
“The technique and pedalling style remain, but you lose fitness quickly.”
When asked whether it is about safety or simply having less energy, he answered honestly:
“I just don’t have that level of fitness anymore.”
And in that honesty lies a piece of inspiration. Sport is not only about performance. It is about the joy of movement.
Jasná
View offerIsn’t good level of fitness for life?
“Isn’t it for life?” Rattaj asks.
The answer is simple yet profound. Technique stays. Style stays. Experience stays. But fitness is something that needs to be built continuously.
You may know it as well. After a winter without movement, after a hectic period at work. Returning to form is not automatic. The good news? The mountains can help.
Jasná and the vision of a bike park
The conversation naturally turned to the future. Igor Rattaj revealed an ambitious plan – a bike park could be created in Jasná.
“I would be very happy if Peťo became an icon of Jasná,” said Rattaj.
A playful challenge followed:
Who would reach the bottom faster? Peter Sagan on a bike in summer or Petra Vlhová on skis in winter?
Two trails are planned in the Jasná bike park
Family trail
- start at Priehyba,
- continuation towards Koliesko,
- then below the 4-seater chairlift to Biela Púť.
This line would also be suitable for families with children and less experienced riders. The goal is to create a safe, playful and accessible trail where you can enjoy riding together without stress.
More challenging trail
- running below the A6 lift,
- from behind Priehyba towards Biela Púť.
This version would test both the technique and courage of more experienced bikers. The natural mountain terrain, dynamic sections and elevation that Jasná offers give this project great potential.
The A6 lift should take riders back up, ensuring comfortable transport and more energy for the ride itself.
Slovakia has treasures – and they are people
Igor Rattaj emphasised one important idea:
Top athletes are the greatest asset Slovakia has.”
They are not only medals. They are stories that inspire children to take up sport. They are returns home. They are moments when world-class names walk through our mountains like any other visitor.
And perhaps that is what makes the mountains special – they bring together professionals and recreational athletes. Anyone who wants to climb to the top. At their own pace. With their own fitness.
You do not have to be a world champion to enjoy movement in the mountains. Whether you come to Jasná for hiking, cycling or skiing in winter, it is always about one thing – the joy of movement and the experience you take home.
This translation was prepared for you by the Gopass AI Translator.
