The American from Boulder, Colorado, is regarded as the most stylish rider on the Cross-Country World Cup circuit. And it’s not just a question of appearance. His style, his passion for painting, art and tattoos – all of this is more typical of a freerider than a professional endurance rider. Off the bike, Riley is a passionate painter. Art serves as an outlet for him, a counterbalance to competitive sport – total freedom, as he himself puts it.
Riley moved to Austria at a young age to train there, and ended up staying. He now speaks German fluently. Oh, and he’s doing well in the World Cup too.
A slightly different interview with Bjorn Riley
What present would make you happiest?
At the moment, probably a CD or record that I haven’t listened to yet.
Which question would you most like to have answered?
How do I fly?
What does painting mean to you?
It means total freedom. It’s a time for me to switch off, and all my problems and worries just wash over me like water.
Who do you think is the greatest painter of all time?
At the moment, my favourite painter is Andrew Wyeth.
What dream have you given up on?
To be honest, I haven’t given up on a single dream. It’s these dreams that drive me. And most of my dreams revolve around cycling.
Who is the most charismatic World Cup skier in the field?
Martin Vidaurre. He’s a really cool bloke who isn’t afraid to show his enthusiasm.
Why is style important to you? And who do you think is the most stylish XCO World Cup rider – apart from yourself?
For me, style on a bike is really important because it’s a form of self-expression. I reckon if everyone on a bike looked exactly the same, there’d be nothing that made you who you are. For me, it makes me happy to feel like I’m being myself. I think Charlie Aldridge is very, very stylish.
What would you stand up for?
For bigger jumps in World Cup races.
What was the biggest challenge you’ve ever taken on?
I wouldn’t call it a test of courage, but rather a leap into the deep end – but that was the moment when I left everything behind in the US and moved to a small town in Austria to start my cycling career.
What is one thing you absolutely can’t do?
Golf – I’m absolutely rubbish at it.
What would you say is a definite warning sign?
Someone who has just one passion or one hobby.
Which cycle race do you absolutely have to take part in one day?
I can’t name one off the top of my head, but I’d really love to run a 100-mile or 160-km ultra-marathon.
What do you daydream about?
A huge art studio where I can fully explore all my creative ideas.
What do you always end up watching when you’re flicking through the channels?
“The Canvas” – that’s a YouTube channel.
What challenges you?
Anything that isn’t cycling or art.
What’s one fact about you that nobody knows?
One of my absolute favourite albums is by Elliott Smith and is called ‘Either/Or’.
What makes you angry?
People who don’t give their all for something they believe in.
What is the best trail in the world?
That really is a very difficult question. But I have to say, the Teocalli Trail in Crested Butte, Colorado. That trail holds great sentimental value for me.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
