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Take: Mountains, bikers, flowers. That's all you need. Theoretically. In practice, however, this recipe only works for those who know when the light changes, the wind pauses briefly and the rider takes off at exactly the right moment. Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Liautard has done just that. He directs the two freeriders Hugo Frixtalon and Brendan Howey like leading actors in a natural ballet: yellow primroses in front, the rugged Alpine peaks behind them, and a moment of weightlessness in between. Photo: JB Liautard/Red Bull
A picture that smells of spring and tastes of dust. If everything works out, the finished "photo dish" will make it into the selection for the Red Bull Illume photo competition.
- BIKE editor Dimitri Lehner
So ....
E-motors have revolutionised our sport - we all know that. Most of us use the motor as a climbing aid to explore the mountains even more extensively (photo below). Chris Akrigg, however, is exploring new territory with his E-Enduro and testing the limits of what is technically possible. For many, the media-shy Englishman is one of the best bikers in the world. Be sure to watch: his edit "Hard Enduro" on YouTube. Photo: Simon Skafa (below), Rupert Fowler (right)When trails tell a story. Historic places lend the bike ride a special fascination.
For me, it's like a puzzle: creating something that seems impossible at first glance - that feels great! - Extreme biker Chris Akrigg
Or something!
About the doormat
What's going on? Right through the house - that's not possible! But there is: in Valparaíso, Chile. Perhaps the most dangerous downhill race in the world, the Red Bull Cerro Abajo, has been taking place in the harbour city since 2003. Steep, fast, technical, narrow. Over stairs, through houses, over street canyons. Favourite and last year's winner Tomáš Slavík crashed heavily in training, but still managed a top run in the final in pursuit of his fifth victory. Our City DH ace Johannes Fischbach narrowly missed out on qualifying. In the end, the Colombian Sebastián Holguín was the fastest to the finish line. Next stop: Genoa. Photo: Gonzalo Robert/Red Bull
"Everyone wants to ride Valpo until they get there!"
- Champion Sebastián Vásquez on the horror race in Chile.
Aerobatics
Slopestyler Erik Fedko: "Fair assessment!"
BIKE: Congratulations! You are the first German to win Crankworx gold.
ERIK FEDKO: Thank you very much. However, I think that the Red Bull Joyride and the Red Bull District Ride have the highest prestige: My third places there were my absolute career highlights.
Where is your gold medal now?
I'm currently still in a holiday flat in Queenstown, New Zealand, and the gold medal is actually hanging on the wall in my room.
The competition in Christchurch was a nail-biter. When Nicholi Rogatkin showed a 1080 and a Cashy Tailwhip in his second run, you seemed worried that he would take the lead from you.
Yes, I was nervous when I was at the top and was suddenly fourth before the shootout. However, I knew that I would take the lead when I landed my trick - and that's exactly what happened.
You then lost the lead again due to the new format. Did you condemn the changed procedure at that moment?
Yes, I briefly thought: "Shit, without the new format I would have won by now."
It will be more exciting for the spectators, but it must be nerve-wracking for you athletes. What do you think of the new format?
It adds an additional stress factor to those already present, such as wind and weather - and to the risk that already exists.
Is this now the case for all events?
From the looks of it, yes. We'll find out at Crankworx in Rotorua.
In the shootout, everyone shows off their super trick. Can the jury even judge it?
I think the jury in Christchurch assessed it very well and fairly.
Can anyone but you do your super trick?
360 Downsidewhip to Seat Grab Indian Air - I've never seen anyone do that before!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
