Interview with Slopstyler Johanna Nussbaumer (16): Youngstar Straight from Lindau

Interview: Rachel Pechholz

Hi Johanna, you're new to the scene. Tell us how you got into slopestyle.
I started cycling in the corona times. I saw slopestyle in videos on the internet, but I was still playing football at the time. I slowly lost my motivation for football because the pressure was too much. So I started cycling more and more. First BMX, and two and a half years ago I bought my first dirt bike. Since then, I've ridden more and more and got to know more and more people. We now even have our own little backyard together. When you're cycling, you're really well received and support each other.

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You just said that you were too competitive in football. What's the difference to cycling?
In football, there was a lot of competition with each other and you didn't really feel welcome. And when you're cycling, you're accepted, you support each other and just have fun. The competition mode is not the main focus. It's just about having a good time and getting better.

>> Swatch Nines: Biggest slopestyle event in Schmallenberg & Sölden <<

Slopestyle is a rather small and trendy discipline. How did you consciously choose slopestyle?
I'd always seen it in videos and just thought it was cool to do tricks in the air and not just ride down the mountain. Then I tried it out and quickly realised that I enjoyed it.

What about the airtime? Are you scared at the beginning or do you like it straight away?
Haha, no, of course that's not something you like right from the start. That's why I've slowly improved: from smaller jumps to bigger and bigger ones. I was really scared at the beginning, but over time you just learn, you get more and more confidence - and now I really enjoy airtime.

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Did you have a role model? Who inspired you the most?
It wasn't just one person, but I've actually seen a lot of videos of Lukas, Marc and Erik. And now it's quite funny to ride with them myself. Other women weren't there as role models because I've never seen so many videos of them. But it's getting better: there are more and more girls who are also getting more support, so the scene is becoming more mixed.

What's your favourite trick right now?
I can't really say for sure. What I really like doing at the moment are 3-person combos. I've also done a triple whip on the airbag - although I'd actually cross that out as it was unique so far.

How do you come up with the tricks? Do you think about it because you see it, or does it come intuitively while riding?
You often plan something - and then it doesn't work because you've already thought about it far too much. When you're riding, you quickly realise what's possible at that moment, and over time the trick works. And most importantly: the support! I wouldn't be where I am now without my friends. They gave me my self-confidence and taught me that it's okay if something doesn't work out. Thanks to our shared hobby and the many weekends we spend together, the scene has now become my biggest circle of friends.

You were at Silverstar, won the wildcard for the Joyride and now you're here in Sölden at the Swatch Nines. You actually only wanted to take part in two or three smaller events - how has your year been for you?
It's been a very good year. I would never have thought that I could experience so much in such a short space of time and get around so much. That's what I love about cycling: you're not just in one place, you're travelling all over the world. That was also the reason why I just gave it a go - it's a way of getting around and meeting new people, true to the motto: "If not now, then when?" Sometimes I get stressed and pressurised at big events, but I always manage that well. My parents also support me in this. I have a close relationship with them and am always in touch. They tell me that I don't have to prove anything to anyone, that I should give myself time and just have fun. And so I really enjoy the big events.

Have you been on the lines in the Bike Republic Sölden?
I haven't actually been to Sölden yet. I haven't ridden my big bike here either, although I do ride it from time to time. I love being in the mountains and I'm also glad that I have a view of the mountains from my accommodation. That's why I'd love to come back and ride the lines in the bike park.