Only a few more days until the who-is-who of the international mountain bike elite arrives in Lenzerheide for the climax of the Bike Kingdom Games. The next UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in the Downhill and Cross-Country disciplines is right on the doorstep. In addition to the new World Champions, World Cup leaders and reigning Olympic champions, another athlete is coming to the fore in the Bike Kingdom: local hero Nino Schurter (SUI) can make history in front of his home crowd.

When you think of Cross-Country mountain biking and Switzerland in 2021, the trio of Olympic champions Jolanda Neff, Sina Frei and Linda Indergard as well as the men’s silver medalist, Mathias Flückiger, inevitably come to mind. In the Bike Kingdom, it is Flückiger who can head into the World Cup with the confidence of the World Cup leaders’ jersey on his back, thanks to wins in Leogang and Les Gets. Backed by his home crowd, he will try to increase his current lead of 235 points over the competition, which includes Czech rider Ondrej Cink, who is currently second in the overall. For the Elite Women, there is no way around undisputed World Cup leader Loana Lecomte (FRA). With four wins from four races and an incredible 1330 points, the young French woman is also the favorite in the Bike Kingdom. The first pursuer is fellow French rider and reigning European champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who sits in second place with 955 points, ahead of Jenny Rissveds (SWE), who has 780 points. With only one more World Cup event left this season in Snowshoe, USA, it is possible that the Overall World Cup winners could already be crowned in the Bike Kingdom. Both Cross-Country races over the Olympic distance will take place on Sunday, 5 September. The women start at 12:20 pm, the men follow at 2:50 pm (CEST).

The first World Cup points in Lenzerheide will already be awarded two days before during the Cross-Country Short Track races on late Friday afternoon.  Flückiger, who recently demonstrated his outstanding form in the sprint discipline, is going into the race as a favorite, especially since the sprint competitors Mathieu van der Poel (NED) and Thomas Pidcock (GBR) have already ended their mountain bike season. Among the Elite Women, there is no clear favorite to be identified yet, as Lecomte, Ferrand-Prévot and the current World Cup fourth, Haley Batten (USA) all emerged victorious in previous races.

“I’m leading the overall World Cup and that gives me confidence. I just have to do my thing and ride my race. The competition is very strong, but if everything goes according to plan, I should pull it off now. Depending on the course of the race, I might even force a preliminary decision already, that would of course be great. It’s awesome that there are finally spectators again. That certainly makes the race very special and I’m really looking forward to this weekend.” – Mathias Flückiger

While the favorites are much clearer in the Cross-Country race, the outcome of the Downhill Word Cup is still completely open with three different winners in each of the first three races of the men’s and women’s competition. In the men’s category, Thibaut Dapréla (FRA) currently holds a small lead of 237 points, followed by Troy Brosnan (AUS) and the GOAT Greg Minnaar (RSA) in second and third place. In the women’s field, the two leading riders, Myriam Nicole (FRA) and Camille Balanche (SUI), are tied with 560; the top 5, completed by Vali Höll (AUT), Tahnee Seagrave (GBR) and Monika Hrastnik (SLO), are separated by less than 150 points. Even though the Overall World Cup will probably not be decided on the 2.5-kilometer-long STRAIGHTline this year, the fast and varied track with an average gradient of 18 percent entertains with plenty of delicacies, such as the Lenzerheide Edge or the Shimano Too Steep To Plunge, and there are valuable points up for grabs.

World Cup leader Dapréla does not feel the heat yet: “Races are tighter and tighter and it’s really difficult to win every race. The competition is completely open right now because a lot of riders are very fast and hungry to win. For me, nothing has changed since the beginning of the season; I have zero pressure, I just focus on myself and on my riding.” 

“The women’s field is really exciting this year with so many girls who can win a World Cup and the overall being that tight after three races! There is no room for a mistake this season! I feel more confident coming into this one because I know that I did well in the past in Lenzerheide. It’s so amazing that the spectators are back this season especially on home soil! Lenzerheide is always crazy and I can’t wait to see all the fans! It will push me even more!” – Camille Balanche

One rider who is above any competition, is the seven-time Overall Cross-Country World Cup winner Nino Schurter. Being an official Bike Kingdom ambassador since the beginning of the year, it is always very special for the local hero to compete in a race “at home” with the support of the live audience on site (10,000 spectators are allowed per race day). With a win in Lenzerheide, the 32-time XCO World Cup winner could equal Julien Absalon’s (FRA) record, who has 33 World Cup wins on his resume.

“Finally, a World Cup with a live audience again! And they are more or less my home crowd! This is incredibly motivating! Another win at my home race would of course be a dream come true. Equalizing the World Cup record is and will remain one of my goals. But unfortunately, I cannot predict at all where and when this is hopefully going to happen. It would be awesome if it worked out in Lenzerheide, of all places.” – Nino Schurter

The Bike Kingdom Lenzerheide is more than happy to finally be able to welcome spectators to a big event at the Rothorn again. All those who would like to be there when Nino Schurter goes on a record hunt on his home soil can purchase their tickets online, as there will be no box office in accordance with the prevention concept. Tickets are available here:

https://www.bikekingdomgames.ch/en/Spectators/Tickets

For everyone who is unable to come to Lenzerheide to watch the action first-hand, Red Bull TV will be broadcasting the Mercedes-Benz UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup LIVE and on-demand, available anytime and anywhere on redbull.tv.

Japanese trials bike wizard Tomomi Nishikubo is a huge fan of the Olympics. When the Games came to his home country in July the Ninja Rider wanted to do his bit. As “street trials” is not an official discipline Tomomi had to get creative – the idea for his personal bike pentathlon was born. In the now released Behind-the-Scenes clip the 29-year-old rider from Shibuya gives some insights in the production process, time pressure and the hurdles the team had to overcome.

Despite a lot of difficulties Tomomi and his crew pulled it off anyway and the clip could be released as Tomomi’s tribute to the Olympic Games 2020. In the following Q&A Tomomi talks about his motivation for the video, his relationship to the Olympic Games and, of course, on shooting the Bike Pentathlon video.

How did you get the idea for the Bike Pantathlon?

I came up with this idea about a year ago. Too late to realize for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, but when they got moved to 2021, that was the perfect timing.

What was the most difficult part of filming?

Actually, the most difficult part was the location hunting. We reached out to over 60 stadiums for permissions to film there. But as bikes are strictly forbidden in track and field stadiums most of them declined: “No, it’s not made for bike.” We really struggled until we finally found this awesome stadium and they said “yes”.

What was the most difficult trick? How many attempts did it take?

The most difficult trick was the final part of 3,000 m steeplechase, the Torii hurdle. This huge hurdle was built onsite. We procured materials locally and built and painted it while filming other parts. It was a bit slippery and shaky. Also, the day we shot this trick was real windy. I was very nervous and it actually took me some time to realize the nose drop.

You only had five days of filming? Did this deadline create extra pressure? How well did you handle it?

Yes, we had only five days for filming. But unfortunately, day one was rainy, so we had actually only four days left. Luckily, I was able to just focus on the tricks, because the production team was formed of friends only and I could rely on and just trusted them 100 per cent.

Who were the other athletes, that you competed against?

They were former track and field athletes. We reached out to them and they came from all over Japan to support the production.

Where did you shoot the video?

It was filmed in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, the north part of Japan. We always have rain season in Japan in July. But there is no real rain season in the north part of Japan. So, we decided to move the production there.

Are you a big fan of the Olympic Games?

Yes, of course! I was super stoked on having the Olympic Games in my country and just couldn’t stop myself jumping into the Games in my own way. Haha!

Are you a fan of the Track and Field disciplines? What’s your favorite discipline?

I like it a lot. Especially the 3,000 m steeplechase. I always think it somehow related to trials because both have some obstacles you need to overcome.

Could you imagine to participate in the Olympics yourself one day?

Uuum, I can’t really imagine that now. But with BMX having joined the Olympics it is maybe no longer just a dream. Who knows? If trials will be part of it one day, I’m definitely gonna jump into the Games again! Haha!

Follow Tomomi on social media:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomomi_nishikubo/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TomomiNishikubo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tomomi_nishikubo
Website: https://rasoulution.com/athletes/tomomi-nishikubo/

Pictures: © Satoshi Saijo / @satoshi.saijo

Mountain biking on the sunny Tyrolean plateau of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has made some big steps back to normal. Not only could the Propain Rookie Camp 2021 be the first major participant event to be held successfully, the sunny plateau high above the Tyrolean Upper Inntal valley also attracts with golden prospects for the autumn season. The “Golden Rides” will be back on the bike region’s programme in 2021 and make the hearts of mountain bike riders beat faster with the Trail Day Deluxe, Bike & Burger @ Bikepark as well as the Early Rides.

Very much to the delight of everyone involved, the Rookie Camp 2021, which took place together with bike park partner Propain Bikes for the first time this year, was a complete success. But above all it brought back the long-awaited piece of normality to Alpkopf, Schönjoch and the like. The almost 30 rookies and next-gen shredders got their money’s worth for five days and, in addition to the individual coaching, received plenty of valuable tips and tricks from the pro riders such as Angie Hohenwarter. Track walk, technique training or the morning yoga class to loosen the muscles were just as much a part of it as learning to ride walls, drops and jumps in theory and practice.

For coach and pro rider Angie Hohenwarter the camp is something very special: “I am happy that the camp could take place this year as I am always stoked to be part of it. With our varied and sometimes challenging programme, we are able the provide these youngsters with something special for their future in mountain biking. That means this camp is not only a lot of fun, but it also secures the future of our sport.”

Watching the rookies ride, head of the bike school Daniel Newman also starts to rave: “It’s inspiring to watch the future of the sport shredding together.”

Bernhard ‘Mr. Burns’ Gunesch from Propain Bikes: “The Propain Rookie Camp is a great asset for us. It is amazing to see how the future generation is growing up and how high the riding level of these kids is.”

“We are thrilled that we were able to host the Propain Rookie Camp this year. It shows that after a year off we haven’t forgotten how to run great events and camps. We are already looking forward to next year”, says bike park manager Christian Zangerl. The next Propain Rookie Camp is expected to take place from 15 to 19 August in the coming year. Immediately afterwards – from 19 to 21 August 2022 – the MTB-Festival Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis should finally return, too.

Until then, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis will sweeten the autumn for its guests with a very special bike programme – the Golden Rides. Referencing to the low autumn sun that bathes the plateau high above the Tyrolean Upper Inntal valley in a picturesque, golden light, the autumn programme from 5 September to 17 October includes three weekly highlights. On Mondays, the Trail Day Deluxe takes the rider on a unique tour of all the single trails in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis bike region. At Bike & Burger @ Bikepark, Wednesdays really get down to business: technical training and lots of action across all bike park tracks are only interrupted by the lunch break with the legendary bikepark burger. The absolute climax of each week is the Early Rides on Friday. Starting at 5:30 in the morning, a shuttle takes you up to the Schönjoch, which you have all to yourself this time of day, to enjoy first the Jochtrail and then the Frommestrail in the light of the rising sun.

All further information about the Golden Rides and the other offers can be found at:

www.bike-sfl.at/en/bikeschool/golden-rides

Further information on biking in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is available at: www.bike-sfl.at/en

Details on the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis holiday region, the precautions and measures relating to the current Covid situation as well as information on the possibilities to refund or postpone your stay can be found at www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/en.

#serfausfissladis  #wearefamily  #weilwirsgeniessen
#bikeschulesfl #bikesfl #bikeparksfl #gooddaysfl  #bestbikereel #propain

Header Picture and pictures 1+2: © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Andreas Vigl

Pictures 3+4: © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, christianwaldegger.com

Only one week after his seventh place at the Red Bull Copenride, Max Fredriksson followed the invitation of the Godziek brothers to Poland for the Red Bull Roof Ride last weekend.

Dropping in from the roof of the International Conference Center in Katowice, the staggered field of riders was throwing down incredible tricks as they made their way down an exciting course in the middle of the city. Showing a clean run scoring 90.00 points, Max Fredriksson decided to pick up the role of the party pooper for the Polish crowd, finishing on second place right in between the Godzieks and banishing Szymon to place three.

In his latest YouTube edit Mac takes us on a wild ride on how he experienced to past couple of days:

“It feels great to finally be on a podium. It’s been a couple of years, and there have been a lot of bumps along the road. Hopefully, it’s a sign for the things to come.” – Max Fredriksson

Follow Max Fredriksson on social media:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/FredrikssonMax
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maxfredriksson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maxfredriksson

Picture: Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool

Header Picture: Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool

Today, etnies launched the new Emil Johansson Signature Camber Crank colorway. To celebrate the launch the Swedish slopestyle rider is letting his skills speak for themself in his video “Etnies ‘Bracken’ – ft. Emil Johansson” filmed at the new Kisa Bike Park in Sweden.  

“I’m stoked to produce my first edit with etnies along with the release of my first signature colorway shoe,” said Emil.  “The etnies Camber Crank has been my go-to shoe for trail bike riding for the past year.  I love how the shoe stays grippy even in the muddiest conditions and keeps my feet from getting soaked. It is supportive & feels great on the foot all day long.” 

With a grippy Michelin outsole designed for flat pedals that is 3x more durable, Emil’s Camber Crank Signature Navy/Black Colorway comes fully equipped with TPU molded Pedal Shank 2 in the midsole for support and a stiff board last.  The Camber Crank’s laces easily stuff into the tongue lace pocket and its tongue gussets shield moisture, dirt, and pebbles.    

Keep up with Emil Johansson’s activities here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johanssoemil/

Website: https://www.emilmtb.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johanssoemil/

To keep up with etnies, be sure to follow and like: 

https://www.etnies.com/us 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Youtube 

After a much too long Covid-related hiatus, the Rasoulution event unit was super stoked to return to the big slopestyle stage by organizing and introducing the Red Bull Copenride 2021 – an FMB Gold Event in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.

But not only the Rasoulution team seemed more than pleased that it was finally go-time  again. The world’s best mountain bike slopestyle riders had flown in from all over  the world to compete in what looked to be an epic resurrection  of competing in front of a live audience at the majestic scaffolding at Refshaleøen in the very center of Copenhagen.

Amongst the staggered rider line up were some of the sports’ icons like Szymon Godziek who hasn’t been competing on the FMB World Tour for a long time. Then Nicholi Rogatkin, the only Crankworx Triple Crown champion, the slopestyle and YouTube legend Sam Pilgrim and of course the current world’s best slopestyle rider Emil Johansson.

“The team created an amazing course and once the athletes arrived the feedback was very positive and riders were extremely impressed by the set up. They thought to expect a FMB Gold Level event course, but experienced something that was beyond Gold level standards.“, explains Tarek Rasouli, Managing Director at Rasoulution: “After qualifying was pushed to Friday morning (without audience) which counted as the initial finals, we had an impressive Shimano Best Trick on Friday as well as on Saturday evening. On both evenings there were thousands of spectators and in fact it was the first time in about 18 months that the athletes performed in front of a bigger crowd. The riders were motivated to show their best tricks and to catch a podium spot.”

Gusts of wind shook some of the riders, and they clearly had a difficult time putting together the run they planned for. But as the riders went for their second run of the day, they seemed to have adapted to the ever-changing conditions.

Polish wildcard, Szymon Godziek, stomped a run even he couldn’t wrap his head around, scoring a massive 94.66.  What an amazing comeback, since we haven’t seen him competing at a slopestyle event since 2018.

And then there was only one guy left. The Swede to beat, Emil Johansson. But no one could stop him from taking the glory once again. Spinning both directions, showcasing his style and crazy variety, he left the judges with no choice. A 96.33 popped on the screen – and he deservedly took first place in qualis in front of Szymon Godziek and Nicholi Rogatkin in third.

Click here for Emil Johansson’s winning run: Nac nac, 360 tailwhip, opposite 360 tailwhip, alley oop double barspin, 360 double downside whip, nose bunk 360 barspin, backflip double tailwhip, barspin to footjam.

As said, Saturday’s final had no chance of ever happening due to rain and wind since early morning, but the riders came together and went all in for a jam session – Shimano Best Trick – in front of the large crowd that had shown up. And boy, did they go all in.

After hitting the Shimano Section for 15 minutes, Nicholi Rogatkin together with Griffin Paulson and Alex Alanko decided to go for the 14 meter tall roll in for the money booter after spotting a bang on tailwind. And then the crowd went crazy. That inspired almost all of the riders to go for some hits – showing off one by one. The absolute highlight of the weekend being Nicholi Rogatkin throwing his 1440. Clean as a whistle. Additional bangers were Dawid Godziek’s legendary Twister no hander, Griffin Paulson’s double backflip barspin and Diego Caverzasi’s Backflip barspin cliffhanger What an amazing trick level!

As the Shimano Best Trick jam session came to an end the 19 riders all came together in the riders lounge cheering each other on for putting on a show even though conditions were horrible. And that vibe was all they had been waiting for in more than a year. In the end Red Bull Copenride 2021 wasn’t excactly the competition we wanted, but definitely the competition we needed. And next years’ event surely will revenge what was lost this year!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPLAY OF THE RED BULL COPENRIDE 2021

The full results of Red Bull Copenride, an FMB World Tour Gold Event:

1 JOHANSSON Emil SWE 96.33
2 GODZIEK Szymon POL 94.66
3 ROGATKIN Nicholi USA 91.00
4 ALANKO Alex SWE 89.00
5 LEMOINE Tomas FRA 88.66
6 FEDKO Erik GER 88.00
7 FREDRIKSSON Max SWE 82.33
8 HUNT Marcel GBR 81.00
9 PAULSON Griffin CAN 80.00
10 GODZIEK Dawid POL 76.00
11 LIEB David USA 75.33
12 BRINGER Timothé FRA 68.66
13 BONAFE Alejandro ESP 65.33
14 PILGRIM Sam GBR 63.66
15 ISTED Tom GBR 56.33
16 VENCL Jakub CZE 54.33
17 MECHEM Garret USA 48.66
18 HUPPERT Lucas SUI 23.33
19 CAVERZASI Diego ITA 11.00

Pictures: Esben Zøllner Olesen / Red Bull Content Pool

The eyes of the international sports world are currently resting on Japan, the home of trial bike magician and YouTuber Tomomi Nishikubo. With so much concentrated sports power right on his doorstep, the bike phenom can’t help but lace up his sports shoes himself. In his latest YouTube clip “Tomomi Nishikubo’s BIKE Pentathlon”, the 29-year-old competes in his very personal pentathlon:

“I have always been a huge fan of big international sports events and festivals. This video, my BIKE Pentathlon is my way of acknowledging this. It’s my tribute to the sport – with twinkle in the eye.” – Tomomi Nishikubo

Follow Tomomi on Social Media:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomomi_nishikubo/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TomomiNishikubo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tomomi_nishikubo
Website: https://rasoulution.com/athletes/tomomi-nishikubo/

Header Picture: Satoshi Saijo / @satoshi.saijo