From childhood dream to mountain bike star: Julian Schelb on his life and the sport

Julian Schelb (32) is one of the fastest cross-country racers in Germany. The Black Forest native (from Münstertal near Freiburg) was runner-up in the cross-country world championship as an U23 rider, won World Cup races and the German championship. However, Julian found it difficult to break through in the elite class. He was repeatedly plagued by allergies and breathing difficulties. He became German marathon champion in 2018. Sensational success in 2024: Julian took second place behind superstar Tom Pidcock in the XCC at the World Cup in Crans Montana. 2025: Julian twice finished in the top 10 fastest in the world in the World Cup.

Julian Schelb: "What I've always wanted to say ..."

I follow the Tour den France very closely. Sometimes I dream of taking part myself and think about how I would do in various stages.

I bought a motocross bike - a bad purchase! The good tracks are far away from home and I don't have the time.

I'm pretty proud of the fact that I dared to start and successfully complete a carpentry apprenticeship at the age of 25 despite doing sport.

The early death of my father made me realise that you have to try to enjoy everything to the full and not put things off. Because suddenly everything can be completely different or over.

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If I could swap places with someone for a day, it would be with racing driver Valentino Rossi. And I would like to meet Tadej Pogačar.

I can speak Swiss German quite well, that's because I lived in Thurgau for three years and my girlfriend is from there too.

I can twist things so that they become a plausible excuse or apology.

Which celebrity have I secretly fallen in love with? I used to love Megan Fox, but before she was full of plastic.

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I sometimes have nightmares, for example that I'm at the start of a World Cup race and have forgotten my shoes or the air pressure in my tyres isn't right.

As a child, I wanted to be a helicopter pilot!

This is how I imagine my life as a pensioner: Cycling every second day and ALWAYS having at least one wheat somewhere - ha ha!

There are two things I really can't stand: 1. self-promoters and 2. disorganisation

My dream car? Shelby Copra.

Beer and butter are a must in my fridge!

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Hobbies, youth and stress situations

I can laugh about the film Beverly Hills Cop. But I rarely get to watch films, let alone Netflix series. When I do watch something, it's usually sport.

It's hard to say whether I missed out on a lot through sport, because you do miss out on a lot. Especially when you're young. But I don't miss it either, because I was able to experience so much through my sport. Basically, I don't regret a single step in my life. Of course, there were a few decisions that certainly weren't perfect. But I've learnt a lot from them and I'm happy about the mistakes I've made.

I would never wear sandals and white socks.

My highest drop? The five-metre road gap in the Lac Blanc bike park in the Vosges.

Sometimes I'm very impatient and stress out when things don't go fast enough, so I'd like to be a bit more relaxed sometimes.

My favourite fun tools? Powder skis and my kitesurfing equipment. I went kitesurfing in Cape Verde on my last holiday.

My favourite trick on the bike? Whip.
My favourite World Cup track? Mont Sainte Anne in Canada.

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