You were fastest on the course at the German Downhill Championships, but because of your age you were initially only honoured as the U19 winner. How did you feel at that moment?
That was bitter! The atmosphere at the award ceremony was strange - someone from the BDR (Bund Deutscher Radfahrer / editor's note) tried to explain it, but in the end Julius Sauer stood there as the new German Downhill Champion. What few people know: The BDR has corrected the result. I am now German champion in the elite class!
Sounds like the BDR wasn't sure of its own rules.
That's how it was. Because the regulations state that the title of German champion goes to the fastest rider on the course - whether Master, Elite or Junior.
When was the matter resolved?
Only much later. If I hadn't called them and followed up, I still wouldn't be German champion. Apparently there had never been a case like this before. Of course, I didn't know the rule either. But at some point I got suspicious, picked up the phone and rang the BDR. I wanted to know what was going on. And sure enough, shortly afterwards I was told that I could wear the championship jersey next season.
Race veteran André Wagenknecht says you are Germany's greatest young downhill hopeful. Does that honour you?
Of course I'm happy about something like that. Especially when it comes from people who have a clue.
Things have been looking bleak for German downhillers in the World Cup for a long time. A German on the podium - that was ages ago. What is the reason for this?
With the right conditions, Germans can also ride at the front internationally, see Johannes Fischbach. He has what it takes and the support - all that's missing so far is a bit of luck. Most of the other Germans, on the other hand, are fighting a lonely battle. The support is lacking. The BDR could also do more. Why not send the ten fastest downhillers to a training camp? That would help enormously and bring us German racers closer together. As it is, we know each other, but we don't get really close.
What would it help if the German downhill elite were friends with each other?
Many factors play a role in becoming really fast. The most important thing is to train with good riders - that's the only way to get better. There are dozens of examples of this. People copy lines from each other and push each other because everyone wants to be faster.
What else makes a downhiller fast?
Basic fitness is extremely important. Otherwise you don't stand a chance on most World Cup courses. At the World Championships in Val di Sole, I was completely knackered at the finish. That's when I realised that I still had a lot of potential. A team with a mechanic also helps enormously: if you have to work on your bike yourself just before the race starts, you're at a clear disadvantage. Line scouters, like the top guys have, are certainly good, but not mandatory.
You've just joined the Cube Global Squad team, which could give you exactly this support in the 2017 World Cup. According to your theory, you should soon become even faster.
I hope so! So far I haven't done anything for my fitness in the off-season. I've only ever ridden some enduro and motocross. That was it! I didn't have a mechanic either. And then there's school. After my A-levels in the spring, I can finally concentrate fully on sport.
And what inhibits a downhiller?
A full head and no fun at all. That makes you slow! If I'm not rubbing my hands with joy, I won't perform well on the bike.
What about pressure?
I've never felt any pressure so far. The only pressure I feel at the moment is that I want to be really fit by the start of the season. I have to admit that: I have to force myself to do that.
You're doing your A-levels in spring. What about the pressure at school?
Yes, I also feel the pressure. Especially because I missed a few days of school due to all the races last season. But I've made it from spring onwards.
How do your parents feel about downhill sports?
They say: as long as I'm still young, I should see the world and have as much fun as possible. The only thing that matters to them is that I pull myself together until I graduate.
INFO MAX HARD STAR
The young Saxon is regarded as the greatest talent in German downhill sport. Max Hartenstern first rode BMX, but later became enthusiastic about downhill riding. Max was discovered shortly after his first race and rode for the Schatzki MTB team from then on. He will graduate in spring 2017, after which he wants to concentrate solely on downhill and take off in the World Cup.
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
