PODCAST: Matúš Štrba – When Sport Shapes You from Childhood
28. 11. 2025
Matúš Štrba – Ambassador, sales rep, parent… and also a cyclist through and through. What was his childhood like in terms of sports? How did he come back after a serious accident? How does he actually train? You’ll find all the answers in the following lines. And if you don’t have time to read right now, just play the YouTube video here.
"Grandpa kick-started my sports career"
I started doing sports at a very young age, around 3. My grandpa taught me how to ski and in doing so, he probably
unknowingly sparked my passion for sports. At the age of 6 I started riding a mountain bike
and tried my first races. A good friend then literally dragged me into the local cycling club.
From that moment on, I mainly focused on Cross Country.
Student years don’t necessarily mean only parties. My journey was a bit
different from others. Unfortunately something happened that I did not quite expect.
At the best possible moment, a lung infection stopped me for 2.5 years.
With a tear in my eye, I had to return my team jersey and say goodbye
to cycling and the great team environment for a while.
different from others. Unfortunately something happened that I did not quite expect.
At the best possible moment, a lung infection stopped me for 2.5 years.
With a tear in my eye, I had to return my team jersey and say goodbye
to cycling and the great team environment for a while.
A return to sports — but a bit differently
Gradually, I started getting back into sport. The bike was still a long way off, so
I chose Capoeira. A sophisticated way to strengthen the entire body.
Naturally, cycling followed later — and newly also running, where I
completed my first half marathon and marathon.
I chose Capoeira. A sophisticated way to strengthen the entire body.
Naturally, cycling followed later — and newly also running, where I
completed my first half marathon and marathon.
Winter training — What, how and why?
My winter training consists mainly of core workouts, running and of course the trainer.
Last year I tried winter e-bike races, which helped me a lot.
So I’ll definitely include e-bike training this year too. As for time, I try
to train 5 times a week. Altogether that’s roughly around 10–12 hours. An important
part of my training is also recovery and my daily 10-minute stretch routine.
Last year I tried winter e-bike races, which helped me a lot.
So I’ll definitely include e-bike training this year too. As for time, I try
to train 5 times a week. Altogether that’s roughly around 10–12 hours. An important
part of my training is also recovery and my daily 10-minute stretch routine.
The accident that nearly cost me my life
Yes, unfortunately during road training, I was hit by a car. The accident was quite
serious. I crashed head-on into the car at high speed. I wasn’t given the right of way.
As a result, my whole body and arms were torn up — the arms suffered the most. Some
permanent consequences remained. Since I’m an athlete, my body regenerated faster. After
two months I was able to return. My mental setting and attitude played a huge role.
Yes, unfortunately during road training, I was hit by a car. The accident was quite
serious. I crashed head-on into the car at high speed. I wasn’t given the right of way.
As a result, my whole body and arms were torn up — the arms suffered the most. Some
permanent consequences remained. Since I’m an athlete, my body regenerated faster. After
two months I was able to return. My mental setting and attitude played a huge role.
Plans? I have plenty!
I’d like to return to Cross Country. The goal is to attract young
racers and revive this discipline. At the beginning of the season we have a race
in Croatia from the HERO series, which I’m really looking forward to with my colleague.
Then HERO Dolomites, stage races in Serbia and Poland. I’ll try to defend some Slovak titles
and get back among the leaders in XCO. In the future I’d also like to try Titan Morocco,
and my dream is Cape Epic.
racers and revive this discipline. At the beginning of the season we have a race
in Croatia from the HERO series, which I’m really looking forward to with my colleague.
Then HERO Dolomites, stage races in Serbia and Poland. I’ll try to defend some Slovak titles
and get back among the leaders in XCO. In the future I’d also like to try Titan Morocco,
and my dream is Cape Epic.
Pells – Be yourself, inspire the others
Thanks to the brand’s history we can show that we’re also taking the less traditional path
and pushing forward. I see that it works. When comparing where we used to be
on the Slovak market and how we’re growing now, it’s a big motivation for me to keep going.
and pushing forward. I see that it works. When comparing where we used to be
on the Slovak market and how we’re growing now, it’s a big motivation for me to keep going.