Stuttgart on Carbon
For the first German Red Bull Cerro Abajo Urban Race this weekend (5 and 6 September 2026), Johannes “Fischi” Fischbach will be riding a Raymon Rokua 170 Ultra with a one-off design. The paintwork features the Stuttgart skyline complete with its iconic landmarks. A graphic pulse line traces the city’s outline, complemented by the event’s logo.
The design is more than just a backdrop for the photo shoot: the frame was specially painted for the race. Fischbach calls it the most beautiful bike of his 20-year professional career. Once he’s crossed the finish line, he plans to keep the bike – hopefully without any marks from the Stuttgart cobbles and with a gold medal around his neck.
170 millimetres for stairs and drops
The technical basis is the Raymon Rokua 170 Ultra, an enduro bike with 170 millimetres of suspension travel. In urban downhill, however, it faces different challenges to those on the trail. Instead of roots and loose ground, it encounters tarmac, cobblestones, steps, man-made jumps and rapid changes of direction.
What is required, therefore, is not so much power and maximum grip as agility, efficient acceleration and precise handling. So far, Fischbach is only familiar with the first 200 metres or so of the track. The final set-up will therefore be determined on the spot – a set-up with an element of surprise.
Tight rather than velvety
On hard surfaces, Fischbach sets the suspension significantly stiffer than in classic downhill racing. The tyres are also inflated to a higher pressure: around 2 to 2.5 bar is intended to reduce rolling resistance and a spongy feel. The exact pressure depends on the final course layout.
It’s a fine line to walk. If it’s too soft, it costs you speed and precision; if it’s too hard, it turns steps into jackhammers. Then there’s the question of tyre choice: if the course remains firm throughout, Fischbach could opt for a particularly fast tread pattern. Even a small patch of gravel would change the equation.
Home race with a chance of winning the title
Having finished second at Cerro Abajo in Genoa, Fischbach heads to Stuttgart in second place in the overall standings. At the season finale, he will therefore be competing not only for the stage win but also for the overall title.
For around two months, he has been preparing for the race with strength training, road cycling sessions and intense sprints. He cannot learn the course by heart. In Urban Downhill, there are only a few practice runs left to work out the braking points, jumps and lines. His 20 years’ experience of competition in BMX, Four Cross, Enduro, E-Enduro and Downhill should help.
The goal is put quite succinctly: a podium finish at the very least, victory would be ideal. The bike is already ready – and, just to be on the safe side, the goal is painted onto its paintwork.
What do you think of Johannes Fischbach’s custom bike? Will the paint job give him a boost in the race?
Let us know – feel free to leave a comment.
AND: Don’t forget to watch the race this weekend!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
