The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets (FRA) from 2-4 July is just around the corner. After the world cup in Leogang, it will be second double header event this season including Cross-Country as well as Downhill. As usual all races will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV.
Eager to prove herself: Young Austrian Vali Höll directly jumped from to the top of field when she entered the Elite competition. Here she is during her winning racerun at Crankworx Innsbruck 2021.
With only one race completed yet, the 2021 Downhill season is still very young and tough to predict. After Leogang saw Troy Brosnan (AUS) winning his first World Cup race since Vallnord in 2017 and Camille Balanche (SUI) demonstrating her affinity for Leogang winning the race on the same downhill track where she became World Champion last year, the cards will be reshuffled for the Les Gets race. Especially Austrian hot shot Vali Höll, who finished second in Leogang due to a minor crash in front of the finishing line, will be eager to prove herself. Not to mention the local heroes like Myriam Nicole, Marine Cabirou or Loic Bruni.
Back on track: Tom Pidcock returns after a shoulder injury.
For the Cross-Country competition the picture is completely different. Three races are in the books already and the frontrunners are known – at least in the women’s competition, where there’s no way past Loana Lecomte. The French reigning U23 World Champion has won every race on the Olympic distance so far, making her the one to beat. No only in Les Gets but also at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Within the men’s competition returnee Tom Pidcock (ENG) is back for a final test after having had to pause in Leogang due to a broken collarbone. Next to him all eyes should be on Mathias Flückiger who finished among the top 3 in every race so far.
Closest rival to Loana Lecomte:World Champion Pauline Ferrand Prevot, performing at UCI XCC World Cup in Leogang, Austria on June 11th, 2021.
From September 3rd to 5th, 2021 the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup with the disciplines Cross-Country (XCO & XCC) and Downhill (DHI) will take place in Lenzerheide. The event is planned with a limited number of visitors per day; ticket sales will start on July 1, 2021. Lenzerheide can’t wait to host this popular major event with an overwhelming atmosphere created by the fans.
MTB WC Lenzerheide 2017; XCO
In contrast to last year, when there was hardly any planning security for major events and the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup had to be canceled around two months before the event date, the current situation looks very promising. The organizing committee is planning the event with up to 10,000 visitors per day. “We are happy and grateful that the epidemiological situation in Switzerland has improved so much that it is possible for us to organize an event for bike fans,” says OC President Christoph Müller. Of course, you have to adhere to all official requirements and have to constantly reassess the situation, emphasizes Müller. “We know from experience that the pandemic is unpredictable and that the situation can look different from one day to the next. As of today, we are confident that we will be able to organize an unforgettable bike festival like in previous years. ”
Tickets are only available in advance
If you want to visit the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Lenzerheide, you have to buy your ticket online at mtbworldcup.ch in advance. as there will be no box office this year. In addition, all event participants – not just visitors, but also athletes, supervisors, helpers, etc. – must show a Covid certificate. The Covid certificate, which is issued in paper form or as a PDF document with a QR code, documents either a Covid 19 vaccination, a past infection and recovery or a negative test result. Since a negative antigen rapid test, which can be done free of charge in the pharmacy, is accepted, there are no additional costs for the visitors.
World Cup as part of the Bike Kingdom Games
As part of the repositioning of the Lenzerheide bike region as Bike Kingdom, the World Cup also receives a facelift. The festival will be marketed under the name Bike Kingdom Games. The platform is intended to offer even more scope for side events and innovative communication with the guests of the Lenzerheide holiday region, especially for future events. The king himself, local hero Nino Schurter, as well as the queen and reigning downhill world champion, Camille Balanche, are the protagonists of this year’s campaign.
With Crankworx Innsbrucks 2021 in the books the RASOULUTION athletes demonstrated once again that they belong to the very elite of the sport.
On Saturday, Swedish top-nochter Emil Johansson showed that he plays in a league of his own when it comes to big jumps and unbelievable tricks, winning the highly anticipated first Crankworx Slopestyle contest of the season with impressive 97.5 points. German Erik Fedko just missed the podium by 1.75 points, finishing fourth behind Nicholi Rogatkin (USA) and Torquato Testa (ITA).
Emil Johansson performs at Slopestyle during Crankworx Innsbruck on June 19, 2021.
Top 5 of the Slopestyle competition:
Emil Johansson | SWE | 97.5
Nicholi Rogatkin | USA | 95.5
Torquato Testa | ITA | 93.25
Erik Fedko | GER | 91.5
Tim Bringer | FRA | 90
With Thomas Genon (BEL), Tomas Lemoine (FRA) and Max Fredriksson (SWE) finishing on places 8-10, Saturday’s competition saw five RASOULUTION riders within the top 10.
Please find the full replay below:
Two of them, Tomas Lemoine and Thomas Genon, already went head to head in two close runs on Friday, as they competed in the Speed & Style final – with the better end for the French rider, who came out the winner with a double backflip on the last jump. Having already placed second in the Pumptrack Challenge, Tomas Lemoine, the winner of last year’s Speed & Style, was supposed to repeat history with a first and a second place.
Top 5 ranking of the CLIF Speed & Style competition:
Tomas Lemoine | FRA
Thomas Genon | BEL
Tim Bringer | FRA
Greg Watts | USA
Peter Kaiser | AUT
Thomas Genon and Tomas Lemoine celebrate during Dual Speed and Style at Crankworx Innsbruck on June 18, 2021.
Please find the full replay of the competition below:
Overall 2021 King of Crankworx Standings:
Tomas Lemoine | FRA | 210 points
Tomas Slavik | CZE | 120 points
Thomas Genon | BEL | 110 points
Tim Bringer | FRA | 105 points
Emil Johansson |SWE | 100 points
The overall Kingf of Crankworx standings mirror the results above. Tomas Lemoine is in strong lead, followed by Dual Slalom winner Tomas Slavik and his close friend Thomas Genon. Slopestyle ace Emil Johansson currently ranks fifth, with Tim Bringer in fourth position. Definitely more than just a snapshot in time, but with two more Crankworx events to come, these standings are anything but cast in stone yet.
Gabriel Wibmer has been counting on bike gloves from ZANIER since 2018. In return, the young downhill and urban trials rider has been providing the Austrian glove specialist with valuable impulses for the product development. In June 2021, this long term cooperation culminates in Gabriel Wibmer’s own signature glove. The stylish glove with Gabriel’s very own design and his silicone signature is available online exclusive on zanier.com and will be launched during Crankworx Innsbruck.
Handlebar control and tactility are decisive for Gabriel’s tricks and speed, and endow every off-road biker with security. The palm of the glove is therefore made of a special perforated Amara with silicone print. 4-way-stretch material with elastic waistband secures comfort all day. Due to the touchscreen functionality, mobile phones and navigation devices can be used with the glove. Gabriel has combined his signature colour with white and black in the design. His signature is printed in siliconeon the palm and the upper hand. The glove is 100% climate neutral, as every product from ZANIER GLOVES.
„This gloves provide optimum features for every sport which includes handlebars. I use them for downhill and trial bike as well as motocrossa real all-round model. My favourite ZANIER GLOVE has been Shredder for a long time. I was able to contribute to its product development the previous years. It was easy for Markus Zanier and me to decide that the Signature glove has to provide all the features of Shredder, and do it in my very own design, where I had free reign. I am really proud of the outcome.” – Gabriel Wibmer
How robust Gabriel’s equipment needs to be is obviously shown in his far-reaching Social Media accounts, as well as at contests such as the UCI Downhill World Cup and Crankworx Innsbruck, where he starts in the downhill and whip-offs competitions certainly with his self designed glove.
From 16th to 20th June 2021, Innsbruck, heart of the alps and home base of ZANIER, becomes the vibrant center of the mountain bike scene. At the Crankworx Innsbruck, not only the Official European Whip-Offs, the Dual Slalom and Pump-Track Challenge take place – the scene celebrates itself with a big bike festival, too. At the ZANIER booth – right in the middle of the City Expo – a limited edition of the Gabriel Wibmer Signature Glove plus the official, exclusive Crankworx gloves and merchandise are available. A signing session with Gabriel Wibmer takes place on Saturday, 19th June from 10.00 to 11.00at the ZANIER City Expo booth, too.
The glove is available online exclusively for 39,99 € in sizes 7, 8, 9, 10 as of June 16, 2021.
It’s finally time for contests again! After hosting the last Crankworx event of 2020, Innsbruck will welcome the world’s best riders in the world once again for their first contest of 2021 this week. Among them will be the all-round talent Tomas Lemoine and the legend Thomas Genon, aka Tommy G. We put some questions to the two Canyon Collective riders on their objectives and how they feel ahead of their official return to competition.
How do you feel about coming back to Crankworx?
Tomas Lemoine: I can’t wait to ride again. We’ve used this long off-season to ride a lot more than the previous years, when traveling took a lot of time. Innsbruck was the last competition in 2020 and it’s also the first in 2021 so there is a little bit of wonder: who will execute new tricks, new runs? In any case, I can’t wait to be there and see how I’ll feel.
Thomas Genon: I’ve been feeling very well on the bike for the past weeks. I’m extremely happy to be returning to competition!
Thomas Genon during last year’s Crankworx Innsbruck
How did your preparations go?
Tomas Lemoine: I don’t really have a specific preparation for events. I always try to stay consistent all year long. I noticed that the more I ride, the better I feel on my bike, no matter the environment. I also listen to what my body tells me, resting when I feel it’s necessary. Physically, I’m feeling even better prepared than usual, we’ll see!
Thomas Genon: My preparation went really well. This year, the modified calendar has given us way more time than usual to prepare for Crankworx, I think it’s great!
What are your main goals for 2021?
Tomas Lemoine: My final objective will be to be on the podium and win medals. But before anything, I want to stay relaxed and not put pressure on myself. I just want to ride and listen to my body. If everything goes well and I pull good runs, I’ll already be very happy. If then I manage to land on the podium, it will be the cherry on the cake. My goal is to stay focused and motivated during the whole season, never giving up!
Thomas Genon: My focus will be to enjoy riding, have fun with everyone and make the most out of the travel opportunities we will get. On contests, I want to be as consistent as possible.
Tomas Lemoine celebrating the second place in the 2020 Slopestyle Contest at Crankworx Innsbruck.
In Innsbruck, they will face the best Slopestyle riders in the world – like Emil Johansson, Erik Fedko or Max Fredriksson – once again. Tomas Lemoine will have a busy week, taking part in the Dual Slalom and Pump Track Challenge on Thursday, Speed & Style on Friday and Slopestyle on Saturday. Thomas Genon will probably ride the European Whip-off Championships on Wednesday, and then focus on Speed & Style and Slopestyle.
The first double World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang is in the books; a weekend of pure excitement, action, cheering fans and emotions. The organizers put on a great event and are already looking forward to hosting their next double World Cup, which will take place in Saalfelden Leogang from June 10 – 12, 2022.
Already for the tenth time the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup took place in Epic Bikepark Leogang, but for the first time with the two traditional disciplines Cross-Country and Downhill as part of the Out of Bounds Festival. Across disciplines, a total of 629 athletes from 44 nations were at the start of the first double World Cup in Salzburg Land. Friday’s racing was heavily influenced by rainfall on the day before. Riders were faced with slippery descents and challenging conditions, but by Saturday morning, Leogang was flooded with sun.
For the Downhill riders, the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang was the first World Cup race of the season. The new track sections, especially Vali’s Hölle, was the key section where the best riders decided the victory among themselves. In the Downhill Elite Troy Brosnan (AUS) and Camille Balanche (SUI) turned out to be the fastest riders.
In Cross-Country, the forest sections were just as tough, while the long, steep climbs showed who was in best shape endurance-wise. Over the entire weekend, 1,600 spectators were onsite to cheer for their favorites; the excitement of the audience created a great atmosphere. Both the World Cup race over the Olympic distance and the Short Track race were won by Mathias Flueckiger (SUI) in the Cross-Country Elite. In the women’s race, young Loana Lecomte (FRA) took a superior double victory.
Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik and organizer of the event: “The efforts of the previous year have paid off. By hosting the World Championships, we got the chance to hold double World Cup events in the future. We are very happy about such a successful event. Thanks to all helpers; without all parties involved this would not have been possible!”
Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen and organizer of the event: “We’ve got great feedback from all sides, and that the best was to have fans and spectators back at the races onsite again. The atmosphere and the weather were perfect and we are already looking forward to the upcoming double World Cup next June.”
With a sophisticated health and safety concept, it was possible for spectators to attend a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for the first time since 2019. Especially for the athletes, but also for the staff and helpers, this was a great highlight.
Women’s UCI Downhill MTB World Cup overall standings
Rank
Name
Points
1
Camille Balanche (SUI)
220
2
Valentina Höll (AUT)
210
3
Monika Hrastnik (SLO)
156
4
Marine Cabirou (FRA)
155
5
Tahnee Seagrave (GBR)
122
Men’s UCI Downhill MTB World Cup overall standings
Rank
Name
Points
1
Troy Brosnan (AUS)
250
2
Thibaut Daprela (FRA)
190
3
Amaury Pierron (FRA)
140
4
Reece Wilson (GBR)
137
5
Danny Hart (GBR)
135
Women’s UCI Cross-Country MTB World Cup overall standings
Rank
Name
Points
1
Loana Lecomte (FRA)
1045
2
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (FRA)
680
3
Haley Batten (USA)
669
4
Rebecca McConnell (AUS)
544
5
Linda Indergand (SUI)
533
Men’s UCI Cross-Country MTB World Cup overall standings
Rank
Name
Points
1
Mathias Flückiger (SUI)
794
2
Ondrej Cink (CZE)
654
3
Victor Koretzky (FRA)
623
4
Mathieu van der Poel (NED)
570
5
Anton Cooper (NZL)
570
Start lists and results of the double World Cup can be seen here.
For all those who couldn’t be present live at the double World Cup, there is a replay available on RedBull TV.
Hot on the heels of the release of the QUIN crash detection technology by ABUS, the expert for home and mobile security, comes the release of “Never Bike Alone”. ABUS’s new video, starring none other than freeride legend Richie Schley who, aided by the new QUIN technology, explored trails off the beaten path in the south of France. The stunning terrain of the Provence, mixed with Richie’s taste for adventure, was the perfect testing ground for this new piece of tech. Check out the edit here:
Richie Schley has been riding trails all around the world for decades and is of course more than happy to share the trail and the stoke with his friends, but as we all know, it’s not always easy to find a riding buddy that is up for a spontaneous shred or for the lines you have in mind: “I like riding all kinds of different stuff and I typically like to ride gnarlier, steeper terrain and more technical trails. A lot of my friends sometimes aren’t into it, so in those times I find myself riding alone. When you’re away from civilization and you don’t have a buddy, it’s kind of nice to have all the different kinds of security you can have in case something goes wrong”, Richie explains. “ABUS just came out with a new technology which takes it to the next step. It’s called QUIN and if you’re riding alone and you’re going to have a crash it can notify whoever you have set up in the app,” Richie adds.
With the smart QUIN system, ABUS adds integrated crash detection to its bicycle helmets. Every helmet equipped with the ABUS-QUIN-Technology has its own private emergency call center. The helmets have an integrated accelerometer that detects and evaluates falls. In the event of a fall, the crash detection triggers the emergency routine on the paired smartphone via a Bluetooth signal and automatically notifies a previously defined person and sends through the location of the rider, allowing the contact person to organize help if needed.
Richie really appreciates the benefits of QUIN: “I like to make sure that somebody knows where I am or could find me if something really went wrong when I am by myself, so it’s pretty awesome because it kind of opens the freedom to go out there by yourself and feel pretty sure that if something happens to you, someone is going to find you.“
The heart of the ABUS-QUIN-Technology is the QUIN chip. Designed and developed specifically for cycling, the chip uses reliable Bluetooth 5.0 technology to communicate with the sensors in the helmet as well as the rider’s smartphone. In particular, the MonTrailer mountain bike helmet, which is aimed at ambitious trail and enduro riders, is upgraded by this technology in terms of active safety.
Independently of the crash detection, real-time tracking can be triggered manually in any dangerous situation. Simply tap the rear helmet area four times – and the emergency routine takes its course. The crash detection is controlled via app and all contacts and settings can be controlled there. An important feature is that the user has the option to deactivate the alarm.
In addition to the MonTrailer QUIN, ABUS offers three other helmets with the ABUS-QUIN-Technology in its range: the performance road and gravel helmet Aventor QUIN, its little brother, the Viantor QUIN, and the all-round MTB helmet Moventor QUIN.
After the incredible success of last year’s #bestbikebanger challenge, the family-friendly holiday region Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, situated on the sunny plateau high above the Tyrolean Upper Inntal valley, is going to challenge bike guests once again. With the #bestbikereel challenge – the competition for the best bike reel – the 2021 season offers another chance to win attractive prizes. Any rider with an Instagram account and a smartphone who has reached the age of 16 can take part. All videos from the Bikepark Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis as well as clips created on the surrounding single trails that are posted with the hashtags #serfausfissladis and #bestbikereel and on which the account @bikeparkserfausfissladis has been tagged, will be part of the challenge. To help riders get started, Fabio Wibmer’s cinematographer Marius Prell – known for his work on films like “Urban Freeride Lives 3” or “Home Office” – gives tips for the perfect reel.
For the 2021 season, everything in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis revolves around the best bike clip. The #bestbikereel challenge is hosted on Instagram and the bike region is looking for the best bike clip, or more precisely, the best bike reel from the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis family region. There are almost no limits to your creativity – the lush range of routes in the bike park and the surrounding single trail network offer the perfect amount of variety and enable various approaches to video creation across all disciplines.
To set the mood for the challenge, professional filmmaker and editor Marius Prell gives you his tips and tricks for the perfect clip. In the video, he explains and illustrates what to keep in mind when filming and how to put the finishing touches on your #bestbikereel.
The jury, made up of Marius Prell himself as well as representatives of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Tourist Board and the Bikepark Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, will announce the winner of the #bestbikereel challenge at the end of the bike season. The winner can look forward to a stay of two nights with breakfast in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, including All-Mountain Ride tickets for the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis bike region for a family of four for the 2022 summer season.
“When I was asked whether I would like to be a judge in this year’s #bestbikereel challenge, I was really happy. I love the idea of the challenge and I am sure that we will see a lot of good content. Of course, as a filmmaker, I will pay particular attention to the camera work and the general quality of the video clips. To give the participants a helping hand while filming, we shot a little tutorial with simple tricks for better videos in the Bikepark Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. I can’t wait to see the first clips and I keep my fingers crossed for all participants!” – Marius Prell
Please find Marius’ answers to the most crucial questions here in a short interview:
Filming with a smartphone – is that possible?
Absolutely. Smartphones nowadays have amazing capabilities when it comes to the integrated camera. Use wide angles when it makes sense. Practice good framing and keep the camera steady, that’s what distinguishes a good beginner from someone whom you should rather not hand a camera, haha.
What tips do you have for correct positioning when filming?
That’s difficult to answer. Make sure that your protagonist is free, especially when you’re in the forest. If you can’t really see him or her in front of the trees in the background or because of the dark jersey, the shot quickly gets muddy. So you should make sure that you can do it clean. It’s a question of framing, the aperture that can blur the background, clothing, light, etc.!
How do I recognize interesting objects/sceneries?
Your favourite feature can be anything, a beautiful panorama, a puddle that reflects, the bike train with your buddies. There will always be a new best shot somewhere down the road. Interesting scenarios can be found anytime and anywhere, and every weather situation has new ones up its sleeve. A flow line that looks boring in the sun simply gives off the coolest scenarios in the fog and is a must for filming. But the most important thing is to have fun while doing it.
To take part in the competition, you must be at least 16 years old and have an Instagram account and a smartphone. It is also important to tag the posts with the hashtags #bestbikereel and #serfausfissladis and to tag the Instagram account @bikeparkserfausfissladis directly in the reel (not the caption!). That’s it!
All posts from the 2021 season (12 June 2021 – 17 October 2021) that meet the above requirements will automatically be counted. So, get your camera ready and live out the perfect holiday – with either an exciting or relaxing stay in the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis bike region.
All information about the #bestbikereel challenge in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and its terms and conditions can be found here:
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.
At the 2020 Crankworx Innsbruck Emil Johansson (SWE) and Tomas Lemoine (FRA) only needed their first runs to put down scores that would see them finish in first and second place. With only them still to do their second run, they even decided to do a victory lap together – a Victory Train. While Erik Fedko (GER) was not able to finish his first run, he was also one of the only riders that was able to dramatically improve their score in the second run and complete the RASOULUTION podium.
With the 2021 Crankworx Innsbruck (June 11-20) just around the corner, the trio will aim repeat their outstanding performance from last year. Belgian slopestyle ace Thomas Genon and Max Fredriksson of Sweden, who finished sixth and seventh in 2020, will bring even more RASOULUTION power to the competition.
Please find the complete start list below:
• Alex Alanko (SWE)
• Paul Couderc (FRA) • Erik Fedko (GER) • Max Fredriksson (SWE) • Thomas Genon (BEL)
• David Godziek (POL)
• Lucas Huppert (SUI) • Emil Johansson (SWE)
• Lukas Knopf (GER) • Tomas Lemoine (FRA)
• David Lieb (USA)
• Garret Mechem (USA)
• Nicholi Rogatkin (USA)
• Torquato Testa (ITA)
• Jakub Vencl (CZE)
Alternates on deck will be Timothé Bringer (FRA) and Tom Isted (GBR).
For more information on Crankworx Innsbruck please visit: www.crankworx.com
During winter, Heby Skatepark is a regular ride spot for Emil. He has been riding there since 2015 and already filmed there for “XXII.XI”. We’ve had a chat with Emil about tricks being ready to show to the public via video as well as the difference between filming and contest:
Your style is often referred to as effortless, but every trick takes time to perfect. At what stage do you consider a trick “ready to film”?
Emil Johansson: Good question, there is not really a stage where I say this trick is done or perfected to a 100% but there is a time when I can be pleased with how it looks that I feel like it is ready to be filmed. During a process of filming, I am sometimes trying out tricks that does not make the end cut just cause I am not pleased enough with how it looks yet… tricks are difficult to perfect and they never really get easier, you just get better at them.
Similar to putting together a film part, your contest runs are very methodical and equally complicated. Do you go through a similar process to building a video part when working out a contest run?
Emil Johansson: They have common areas but putting together a video can be more relaxing in the way that you can build it and put it together however you want, while on a contest course you need to get everything done in a row on a set time on a set course that someone else built, even if it might be super windy… all those things come in to play when putting together a contest run. While in filming you can really try a trick however many times you want.
Lenzerheide can already look forward to hosting a double mountain bike event in summer 2022. From July 8th to 10th, 2022, the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup with the disciplines Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) including Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) and Downhill (DHI) will take place once more at Parpaner Rothorn.
While Lenzerheide was still missing as a venue on the UCI 2022 racing calendar published at the beginning of the year, another double mountain bike event in 2022 is has now been confirmed. The organizers around OC President Christoph Müller could not be happier: “Lenzerheide has built up a lot of know-how in matters of world cup organization in recent years. We look forward to the opportunity to prove once more that we can host a great mountain bike festival.”
Next stop: UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2021
Before the organizational work of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2022 begins, all eyes are on the organization of this year’s world cup from September 3rd to 5th, 2021. In contrast to last year, when there was hardly any planning security for major events and the World Cup had to be canceled around two months before the event date, the current situation looks better. Thanks to the three-phase model proposed by the Federal Council to combat the corona pandemic, the event – as of today – can be guaranteed, possibly even with a limited number of visitors.
Further information on this year’s UCI Mountain Bike World Cup can be expected from the beginning of July.
With his mind-blowing bike handling, infectious positivity and insane ideas for edits and riding features, it is no wonder Tomomi Nishikubo has been making waves in the freeride and trials scene. Projects like Ride to Survive and Chase Her have been viewed by millions and have truly established Tomomi as the Trials Ninja. At Canyon, people could not be happier about welcoming such a huge talent into the CLLCTV.
Tomomi has twice been crowned National Trials Champion in Japan – but from his earliest demo reel in 2010 it was clear his love of street trials and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on an MTB, away from competition, was another huge motivation. Tomomi has continued to explore his own limits and take his riding to new levels in recent years, and he shows no sign of slowing down through 2021. With some outrageous plans already in place to put his prototype Canyon trials bike to good use, as well the Spectral, Torque and Sender platforms. We can’t wait to these projects come to life.
Away from developing his own riding, Tomomi is also working hard to grow the street trials community in Japan. Bringing riders together and inviting new riders to the sport is simply awesome – and shows Tomomi’s commitment to making the future of MTB brighter than ever.
‘’I am super stoked to be a Canyon rider! Canyon is my dream brand. Their bikes are really elegant and innovative, and there are so many great riders in their team. For this year, I already have some awesome film ideas and I can’t wait to realize them with my new bikes.’’ – Tomomi Nishikubo, Trials Ninja.
The Epic Bikepark Leogang is the first Austrian bike park to celebrate its second decade; so many memorable experiences have been collected over the first 20 years. Today the park is one of the oldest and most well known bike destinations in Europe. Bikers from all over the world make their way to Pinzgau, year after year to enjoy the famous lines and trails of the Epic Bikepark Leogang. A look at the history quickly shows how passion and dedication for mountain biking has created a sustainable formula for success.
In 2001, when Epic Bikepark Leogang opened its doors to the public as the first Austrian bike park, the concept of a “bike park” was still being created. The mountain railroads, together with 33 shareholders, had invested €450,000 to get the bike park and lifts rolling. Initially viewed critically by the general public, however, additional payments had to be made until 2005. Then the mountain railroads took over not only the maintenance, but also the sole operation of the Epic Bikepark Leogang and within a few years operating sustainably.
When the park first opened, there were a total of four lines at the Asitzbahn. The Speedster and the Flying Gangster led from the mid station down to the valley, while the Four Cross and Dual Cross courses were located in the valley area. The trails, which were rather challenging at the beginning, quickly got known in the gravity community which led to more people speaking about the project and visiting the park. Riders in Saalfelden Leogang recorded 16,700 trips in the cable car in 2001. By 2002 there were already 25,000 and in 2020, mountain the resortreached to 195,000.
The founders of the bike park reacted to the increasing demand and engaged the shape crew of the Snowpark Asitz to create a variety of new and well developed tracks and lines. Over time, more and more alternatives suitable for beginners were created. In recent years, the Leoganger Bergbahnen, together with the tourism association, have once again invested heavily in the expansion of the bike park. Novelties such as the World Champs Pumptrack, the downhill track “Valis Hölle”, the natural trail “Knappentrail”, the Hot Shots fired by GoPro and the GoPro Landing Bag speak for themselves and complete the big variety of the park. Today, Saalfelden Leogang offers a trail network of eleven bike park trails and four single trails and puts a smile on the faces of bikers of all levels.
Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen, has been involved in the bike park since the beginning:
“It was a very courageous step at the beginning and everyone was curious to see the outcome. We were in the fortunate situation that we were able to launch the project with the help of 33 shareholders from Leogang. 50% of the investment was made by the mountain railroads. The first years weren’t easy, but from 2006 onwards the number of visitors increased year by year, and especially within the last five years it has become a completely different dimension again.”
Amir Kabbani, Backflip nohander in Leogang, Austria. Photographed in July 2009 during 26 Trix by Mattias Fredriksson
For many years, the Epic Bikepark Leogang has been the venue for events and competitions in the MTB scenery. Unique concepts like the “White Style” contest – a dirt jump competition on snow – provide unforgettable moments and pictures. The annual Out of Bounds Festival combines the typical bike festival flair with participatory events and offers enough bike action for all participants. The 26TRIX Dirtjump Contest, which was held until 2017, enjoyed great popularity and offered scene greats like Andreau Lacondeguy or Greg Watts the necessary airtime for tricks never seen before, like a double backflip. The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships also found their ideal venue in 2012 and 2020 with the Epic Bikepark Leogang. The Downhill World Cup will now take place in Pinzgau for the tenth time this year.
In 2021, the organizers now dare to take the next step. For the first time, a double World Cup will be held in Saalfelden Leogang as part of the Out of Bounds Festival. In addition to the Downhill World Cup, the Cross-Country riders will also fight for the medals in Leogang. The final races of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will be shown live on Red Bull TV and ORF. A limited number of visitors on assigned seats will be allowed, with an extensive Covid-19 prevention concept. Tickets for the grandstand seats can be purchased from 20 May at www.mtb-weltcup.at. Get a first impression here:
Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik: “A lot has happened here at the Epic Bikepark Leogang and I have huge respect for the people who had the courage to bring the project to life, 20 years ago. After initial challenges, the bike park kept growing and more and more people came to experience the tracks and the atmosphere. I have been a part of this project since six years now and it’s great to see the development.”
This is a once in a lifetime chance for a UK based bike rider. Danny MacAskill, Adidas and Five Ten have teamed up and decided to involve one lucky rider in their upcoming film project. Know how to wheelie? Then grab your mate, have them film you riding and post the edit on your Instagram.
This is no joke: Danny wants to see your best wheelies and will pick one lucky winner to join him for his new project with Adidas and Five Ten. It wouldn’t be Danny if he’d choose his next companion only by performance; get inspired by the master himself and be creative. Upload your video before the end of the day on Wednesday, 26th May. The winner will be announced in the second week of June on Danny’s Instagram channel.
Right now, Danny is already scouting for his new project and super hyped about the approach: “I’m really excited to be working on a new project with Cut Media. Looking back it’s hard to believe how many different films we have made over the years and how positive the feedback has been from all of them. For our new project with Adidas and Five Ten we thought it’d be cool to give some real biking fans the opportunity to be in it. This is open to people of all ages with any kind of bike so get out there and show us your skills. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.”
How to take part:
Record your wheelie
Have fun and be creative
Post it to your Instagram
Tag @fiveten_official and use #WheelieWithDanny and #BrandOfTheBrave
Contest closes at end of the day on Wednesday 26th May
Winners will receive a direct message and will be announced in the second week of June on Danny’s channel
The shoot will take place in June and July so applicants should be able to commit 2-4 days during this period for travel and filming with the crew
Due to Covid travel restrictions the contest is limited to UK participants only
For Claudio Caluori, the summer of 2021 brings on a whole series of new challenges in his home region of Graubünden. Three years after Claudio and Danny MacAskill had a spectacular chase through the “Home of Trails”, it’s all about glory again this year, but mostly about honor – times five. A handful of famous mountain bike riders will challenge Claudio on the legendary trails in the five biking regions of Graubünden. Click here for the opening clip.
Claudio Caluori, the jack-of-all-trades of mountain biking, knows the trails of Graubünden inside out. To kick off the 2021 season, Danny MacAskill, Claudio’s 2018 counterpart, is launching a new call with the slogan “Take Claudio to the Limit.” Starting July 2021, Claudio is to face five challenges against a mountain bike all-star team. French downhill superstar Loic Bruni, German slopestyle and YouTube hero Lukas Knopf, Danish endurance specialist Annika Langvad, British downhill legend Steve Peat and New Zealand freerider Vero Sandler will push Claudio to new heights on his home turf. The five showdowns will be held in the regions of Laax, Davos Klosters, Arosa Lenzerheide, Engadin and Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair. Bike fans can look forward to spectacular videos from Graubünden, which will be published successively on Graubünden’s YouTube channel from mid-July on.
The “Home of Trails” is a bike playground of a special kind and leaves hardly any wishes unfulfilled. If you are looking for single trail action or bike park fun yourself, you will find your own personal challenge in Graubünden. On www.homeoftrails.comClaudio Caluori presents 100 tips for the different styles of mountain biking. Here are five selected highlights:
For more detailed information, you can now once again get in touch with local experts via graubündenBIKE-Chat. The “trail gurus” are more than happy to share their knowledge and insider tips for your next bike ride or bike vacation in the “Home of Trails”.
