Freerider Daniel Ruso“It’s all a matter of perspective.”

Dimitri Lehner

 · 26.07.2026

Freerider Daniel Ruso: “It’s all a matter of perspective.”Photo: Tom B (tombphotography)
Daniel Ruso usually rides alongside his brother Elias. The freeride pros and brothers are among the world’s elite freeride mountain bikers.
Monster Drops, Darkfest, Swatch Nines – Daniel Ruso thrives where others are backing off. In this interview, the Austrian reveals why socks make the best gifts, why honesty takes more courage than any backflip, and why an airbag can sometimes make you happier than a victory.

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“Courage doesn’t begin when you take the leap”

What makes you laugh?
About myself – and about my friends.

What was your biggest test of courage?
You always need courage. But most of all when you’re honest with yourself.

What challenges you?
Stubbornness, ignorance and injustice.

What do you consider to be a red flag?
A lack of loyalty and selfishness.

What motto is guiding you at the moment?
Amor Fati – ‘Love of Fate’

Which cliché do you use too often?
"It's all a matter of perspective." I really do believe that, though.

"Bike tricks never end"

What do you dream about?
On freedom – and, even after all these years, still on new bike tricks.

Which competition are you really keen to take part in?
All or Nothing in Chile.

Best trick?
Flatspin. For me, it’s more about feel than a trick.

What’s the craziest stunt you’ve ever seen?
Bienvenidos’ 90-foot front flip at Darkfest. Incredible control.

Who do you most enjoy watching whilst they’re driving?
Harry Schofield. In my view, a once-in-a-century talent.

"Socks beat luxury"

Which present are you looking forward to?
About time. About personal matters. And about socks – anyone who’s constantly on the move knows why.

What do you like to spend your money on?
Travelling and good food.

Which car would you like?
A perfectly fitted-out camper van.

What’s one thing you really can’t do?
Singing.

Which habit should you start with?
Get a regular night’s sleep.

...and stop?
Trying to cram too many things into a single day.

"Japan, yes. Hate, no."

Which channel do you end up on when you’re flicking through the channels?
In historical reports.

Which other sport would you like to take up?
Motocross.

If you were world-class in another sport?
Surfing or skateboarding. Financially speaking, football or tennis would, of course, be a smarter choice.

Which country appeals to you?
Japan and New Zealand.

Which one isn't?
Not really any. I’d like to discover something everywhere.

"My biggest leap might still be ahead of me"

When was the last time you cheered with joy?
When we launched the airbag setup on the Wexl Trails. A real legacy for the next generation.

What would you never advertise?
Weapons, right-wing ideology or pyramid schemes.

What would you never wear?
An FPÖ or AfD T-shirt.

What annoys you?
Social injustice, envy and how social media devalues things.

Which adventure is still missing from your bucket list?
The adventure never ends. But starting a family – that would be the biggest step next.

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Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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