Henri Kiefer in an interview: Downhill World Champion Kiefer - "It doesn't get any better than this!"

Henri Kiefer is 18 years young and the newly crowned Downhill World Champion. The first from Germany. We spoke to him about style and the pressure to perform. About big stunts, tears of emotion and his 2024 elite season with the juniors.

FREERIDE: Do tears of emotion roll down your face when you stand at the top of the podium and the national anthem plays?
Henri Kiefer: Oh yes, the tears rolled down my face. Becoming world champion was a big goal. And I've now fulfilled it.

What went so well on your run in Fort William?
Everything. The run was perfect. It was the best run I've ever had. I made a mistake at the top of the course, but after that the run was flawless.

Failure at the very top - that takes its toll on self-confidence.
Such mistakes at the beginning kill the flow. But overcoming mistakes and continuing to attack is the mark of a good racer. At the World Cup in Lenzerheide, I almost crashed in the first meadow bend after the start, but then continued as if nothing had happened with full concentration. The fact that I was in top form in training helped me in Scotland. I also qualified first at the World Cups in Leogang and Lenzerheide - that boosts your confidence. In Scotland I thought: you can become world champion.

That's surprising, because you haven't won a World Cup yet.
You're right about that. Nevertheless, I always see myself as a candidate to win.

Good attitude!
Self-confidence is important in racing. Nothing works without it.

Do you already have a mental coach as a junior worldcupper?
No, but I have Fabien Barel. He helps me through lows, but that rarely happens - my head is very strong.

How does Fabien Barel, who in addition to his world championship titles in 2004 and 2005 also became Junior World Champion like you, help you?
The guy has so much experience. Fabien stands at the side of the track, makes videos, gives me updates on how the conditions are changing and tips on line choice. Or he cheers me on, motivates and inspires me. Fabien is a great help.

Many people have only just heard your name.
A title like that is a winner, of course. It couldn't be better: world champion! Especially as I'm the first person to win a world title for Germany. The German scene gets excited.

Is the Junior World Cup flying under the radar?
Not completely under the radar, but we get a lot less attention than the elite class - logically. But now our races are also broadcast live. That's a big step forward - the new World Cup organisation has one advantage.

As a world champion walking through the paddock, do you notice that respect has increased?
With some pros yes, with some no. Loic Bruni chats me up, Bernard Kerr still doesn't know me.

Bernard Kerr, the king of the Hardline. Would the Red Bull Hardline appeal to you?No - far too much risk, too fat jumps, too blatant!

Are you interested in freeriding?
For example, I like looking at the Fest Series web edits. But I don't have the urge to do anything like that myself. A bit of styling on a jumpline: yes. Crazy freeride stunts: no!

You used to ride BMX. You must be good at tricks, right?
I can do the basics. So: 360s, barspin or little things like tyre-grab or Nac-Nac. I used to ride a lot in the bowl with my brother Luis - without brakes. I learnt a lot there and got a feel for bikes that now helps me when downhilling.

How important is style to you?
Everyone wants to look good on their bike. Kade Edwards has a cool style, as does Jackson Goldstone. It's a certain looseness that looks casual and stylish.

How do I get more style?
Try out a lot! Approach a bend differently, pull up the slope and choose lines that you wouldn't normally take. Jump to the side or further than normal, pull a manual through bumps. That helps!

Did you notice that Brage Vestavik jumped the Jah drop?
I did. What an impact and what a noise when it came up. Impressive, but these land-or-die numbers are not my thing. I like the edit by Kade Edwards and Semenuk, for example, much better: playful and with a blatant steez.

Things can be rough in the downhill too, I'm thinking of Thibaut Dapréla's crash in Loudenvielle. How do you protect yourself against that?
With strength training. Muscles are good protectors. And I work on my mobility. That's all you can do.

Jackson Goldstone looks rather slight. It makes you wonder how he can hold on to his handlebars so well and even win the Hardline. Your explanation?
Yes, that's blatant. My explanation: Jackson rides so smoothly that he needs much less power and energy. Jackson is the complete opposite of Dapréla.

Can you become a German Jackson Goldstone?
I would say yes. I believe that I have what it takes to become a top downhill skier (laughs).

Pressure on! Because next year you'll be riding in the Elite class.
Did you mean that I could win a World Cup in my first elite year? Maybe not, but I can see myself in the top 20 or top 15.

Jordan Williams has succeeded in doing just that.
A blatant thing! You can really dream about that.

Fabio Wibmer is also part of the Canyon team. Have you met Fabio yet?
Yes, on a joint video shoot for Canyon. Fabio is an ultra-nice guy. But of course he does completely different things - that's a different world.