Organiser Rob J brought the Freeride Youth Camp close to perfection for the second year in a row at Bikepark Leogang. With long-time companions and friends such as Tibor Simai, Cedric Gracia, André Wagenknecht, Andi Wittmann and Angie Hohenwarther, the kids were guaranteed expert training and lots of fun. Thanks to its versatility, the Kona Groove Approved Bikepark in Leogang ensured that riders of all skill levels were always able to find a new challenge.
A total of ten coaches, some of them familiar faces such as former German downhill champion André Wagenknecht, successful fourcrosser Angie Hohenwarther and thoroughbred freerider Andi Wittmann, welcomed the 101 kids a week ago on Sunday. The first round of socialising took place in a relaxed atmosphere, with the basic rules of the camp being communicated right from the start: No alcohol, no cigarettes, keep rooms clean, be friendly to staff, bedtime from 10pm as well as behaviour characterised by mutual respect on and off the bike park trails.
On Monday, the 101 kids were divided into groups in order to provide all participants with the best possible conditions. The main criteria were: Riding ability, age, size and equipment as well as the interests of the individual participants, i.e. in which gravity discipline (dirt, freeride, DH) they would primarily like to learn something new. Each of the eight groups was to develop optimally under the guidance of an expert coach and receive explicit and individual tips on how to make significant progress over the course of the week.
From Monday morning, the kids were able to give free rein to their urge to move and learn in a relaxed and safe environment:
The pure downhillers really let it rip on the UCI World Cup course, the so-called "Speedster", under the direction of André Wagenknecht. Andi Wittmann's "Freeride and Downhill" group flowed down the Flying Gangster. In addition to the fast lines, they also honed their style. The freeride groups of Tibor Simai, Leander Angerer and Christian Morgenroth used the 4X World Cup course, its drops and the Hangman and Bongo Bongo single trails for basic riding technique. Angie Hohenwarter and Felix Gotzler took the youngest riders to the pump track-like Kids Mini Bikepark to try out their first small drops, while the dirt group with Mathias Schell collected airtime jumping into the Foampit.
A varied supporting programme provided entertainment and the chance to win numerous prizes: Timo Pritzel and Cedric Gracia came to visit to put on a little show on the 26TRIX Dirtline, give bunny hop tutorials or practise the right tweak on hips with the kids. Of course, they also held signing sessions and were on hand to answer any questions. On the hottest day, a visit to the Leogang outdoor pool provided a chance to cool off and practise the most wilful tricks and moves from the diving board down into the cool water.
The sponsor Canyon supported the Freeride Camp with its test centre and service staff, who were able to help the kids with repairs. The Oakley Lounge was used for "refuelling" with iced tea after every run and was accordingly well attended. Apart from that, all the counsellors were of course always on hand to help the kids with any questions, minor injuries or other requests.
As stoked as Cedric was, he will probably be one of the special guests again next year: "It's great to see how these kids push their limits. I'm really surprised at how ambitious and driven the boys are. If I was one of the kids at the youth camp, I'd want to party a lot more!" Well, Cedric's reputation as a party god is gone and he has to live up to it.
The kids definitely had a good time, as evidenced by the extremely low number of injuries, as camp organiser Rob J says: "Absolutely top in terms of injuries. Never before have there been so few injuries at a youth camp. This is thanks to the super experienced coaches and the good trails in Bikepark Leogang."
Kornel Grundner, authorised signatory of Leoganger Bergbahnen, passes the ball back to Rob: "Congratulations to Rob J and his team - he has hit the bull's eye with his youth camp. The fact that kids and young people are doing a camp together with the pros and stars of the freeride and gravity scene has proven to be the perfect concept! I'm delighted that Bikepark Leogang, with its wide range of facilities from foam pits to downhill trails, was chosen as the ideal park for this camp and that it will be continued next year!"
You can register for next year's youth camp - from 31 July to 6 August 2011 - from December at
www.go-alps.de
register. All further information about the Bikepark Leogang can be found at
www.bikepark-leogang.com
available.
