to get to the podium in comps you need to be mentally super strong. Like Gilles never gives up he tries to clean everything, same with training, never give up, push your limits. Jamesb for example, he was riding alone most of the time but he got to the UCI cups finals already when he was a junior, he had a super strong willpower and commitment for trials. Its a high level sport, aint easy to get to the top! gotta find and eliminate your weaknesses all the time (power, techniques, stamina, courage to ride those deadly sections, mental pressure in comps etc.)