​Mental imagery, chain jams & a false start: 2nd place! – Fischi rocks the Red Bull Cerro Abajo Genoa

In urban downhill, Johannes Fischbach (38) is one of those guys who can easily clear the highest kerb at 70 – and then go one better. On bent chainrings, knocks to the wrist, tyres as slippery as cooked spaghetti, and why podium places aren’t everything. An interview full of insider insights, a touch of humour and sheer honesty.

Where are the stars?

BIKE: Johannes, we’d actually hoped to see you in Genoa alongside some illustrious names, but the stars Tomas Slavik, Sebastian Holguin and Juanfer Velez were missing from the Red Bull Carreo Abajo 2026. What happened?

Fischi: Slavik? His knee’s a right mess. Really bad. We spoke on the phone and he said: ‘No way.’ His knee would never be able to cope with the strain. I hope he’ll be fit in time for the Red Bull Cerro Abajo in Stuttgart. He’s currently undergoing treatment at the Red Bull Athletes’ Centre and is doing everything he can to get back to full fitness.

BIKE: And what about the high-flyer Juanfer Velez?

Fischi: Well, officially or unofficially? His team pulled him out. UCI points or not, they wanted him to focus entirely on downhill. I reckon he would have loved to have raced; rumour has it there were even tears. But sometimes it’s just the team manager who makes the call.

Chain clamps, rowdiness & tight crates

BIKE: You had quite the drama in qualifying – your chain came off, but you still made it through to the final.

Fischi: To be honest, that was a right pain. I knew my pace was spot on, then right in the middle of the race that rubbish happened – the chain came off. I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough left in the tank, but I pulled it off cleanly, thank goodness – and just managed to sneak into tenth place.

BIKE: Sounds like a real nerve-wracking experience…

Fischi: Absolutely. Especially because you have to take every bend with more vigour to avoid starving. The pedals? They’re just for show from then on.

BIKE: And what about the equipment?

Fischi: Don’t ask. Of course, I still kicked it and completely bent the chainring. It turned into quite a challenge to get it back in working order in time for the final. I straightened it all out by hand in the car. Let’s just say: ‘sketchy’ about sums it up.

The tyre that didn’t want to be one

BIKE: You’ve made a name for yourself with your ‘tyre experiment’. Smooth slicks like in MotoGP – what’s that really like?

Fischi: Phew. Imagine simply removing the knobs from your mountain bike tyre. Massive grip on smooth surfaces, cornering like in a motorbike Grand Prix, but hardly any shock absorption. Every step feels like a punch to the wrist. Riding down to the first alleyway at 70? That’s when you start thinking about your will. That’s when you realise just how much the knobs actually cushion the impact.

BIKE: But doesn’t the slick tyre roll much faster?

Fischi: Surprise: Nah. I tested it at home – five times with standard tyres, five times with my ‘Slck’ – and my dad kept pulling me up the little hill on the E-Crosser. It doesn’t give you any time advantage. Grip is the deciding factor; handling: a draw.

BIKE: A limitation or the future?

Fischi: My verdict: Sensational for road courses, but watch out if the surface gets loose – then it’s all over. Stuttgart – if 90 per cent of the route is tarmac, then I’ll use it again. Otherwise, it stays in the case.

Hot-Seat Horror & Podium Match

BIKE: In the final, after your run, you’re stuck in the hot seat for ages, with one rider after another coming down the hill, slower than you. Then the last rider – and he really delivers. How does that make you feel?

Fischi: Yes, I really thought: This is it! A big lead – a glint of gold in my eyes. And then along comes Roger, on a mega run, taking every risk. Right up until the halfway point, I still thought I’d win, but then he skied superhumanly in the lower section and overtook me. But honestly? I’ll take it in my stride. Anyone who skies like that deserves to win.

BIKE: No frustration?

Fischi: Nah. Sure, I’d have loved to be at the top, but I know I can do it again. That wasn’t my last chance. Roger and I are rivals, but I’m also a fan. When someone rides like that, you watch in amazement and can’t help but cheer them on. What’s more, the Red Bull Cerro Abajos are so dangerous – a small mistake here can have major consequences – so I’m happy for anyone who makes it to the finish line in one piece.

Down the stairs, heart rate up

BIKE: What was really scary for you in Genoa?

Fischi: That first shark fin… 75, then brake and fly straight into Treppengasse – it’s like a rollercoaster without a seatbelt. You brake like mad and still realise: it’s going to be a close call. I nearly went over the front wheel there.

BIKE: What’s next for you?

Fischi: Training, training, training, then off to Les Deux Alpes for the Urban Downhill, followed by Slavik’s legendary Fourcross, the first Stuttgart preview shoot, then Stuttgart itself.

BIKE: Is it still possible for you to win the overall title in the 2026 Red Bull Cerro Abajo Series?

Fischi: The chances are slim, but as long as it’s mathematically possible, I’ll give it my all. But Roger Vieira would have to make quite a mistake.

BIKE: Good luck – see you on 6 September in Stuttgart!