Interview with Johannes Fischbach: Downhill racer Fischi is totally amazed.

Fischi, as a long-time racer in the Downhill Word Cup, you will be competing in the EDR-E racing series in 2023. Was it a difficult decision for you to switch to the E-Enduro camp?

No. Because three reasons came together: 1. I rode a third-party frame in the DH World Cup because my former sponsor didn't have a downhill bike in its programme. 2. the new UCI rules and fees are making it increasingly difficult for riders without a racing team behind them. 3. and I got bored of the same routes. The same place every year, the same descent - it was annoying! I've been into e-biking for a long time, as many people know, and the fresh race format appeals to me. Nevertheless, I see it more as a DH break, so don't write me off in the DH World Cup.

As a former fourcross rider, you are in top shape. Why not take part in the EWS, enduro racing without a motor?

I find the new E-format even more exciting, simply because of its versatility. For example: the technical uphills. It's new, fresh and will appeal to many, I'm sure of that. And being "fit as a fiddle" is one of those things. My body is now a construction site. My knee pinches, my back hurts. My body no longer allows me to do some training sessions.

That would reinforce the cliché that e-bikes are only for the old and infirm.

Forget it! The e-bike races are no less strenuous. Believe me, I know both formats. I was totally amazed when I rode the event in Finale Ligure last year.
Finale Ligure last year. I would never have imagined it to be so exhausting.

The UCI has now included the e-counterpart in its programme. This promises media attention and professionalism. Do you think the series will have to contend with engine doping?

As soon as something is at stake, you can never rule out fraud. I hope that the UCI will carry out reliable checks. The rules are such that the bikes have to be throttled to 25 kilometres per hour. The motor power is not regulated and everyone can decide on the battery capacity themselves. You can take a strategic approach here, because if you choose a 1000 watt-hour battery, you have to be able to cope with the extra weight.

The EDR-E is still very young. Do you see the e-racing format in the future, perhaps even before the EWS?

It definitely has the potential. The uphill stages add the spice. You have to know that: If you mess up on a technical uphill, you can pack it in. Because you lose so many seconds here. You can't make them up on the downhill stage. Then there are the strategic decisions about battery capacity, which means unpredictable lead changes are inevitable. That's what makes the race format so special and perhaps even more exciting than the races of colleagues without a motor.

Can you imagine enduro racers switching to the EDR-E series as soon as they can no longer ride at the front?

Of course there will be EWS riders who are attracted to the E-version. It appeals to me too. If only because it's different. I don't see the EDR-E as a weaker version of the EWS. The format and requirements are also completely different.

Since we're talking about the hierarchy of race formats. Is the Downhill World Cup the undisputed number 1 in mountain biking?

Yes, the Downhill World Cup is number 1, it's pure excitement. You have a short course that is easy to see and transfer. In addition, the better riders start later, which guarantees a constant change in the lead. One hundredth of a second decides between victory and defeat. In the enduro format, on the other hand, everything drags on and only at the end are the times added up and the winners determined. Tension is lost.

There will only be five EDR-E races. What are you doing for the rest of the year?

That's right, at least in 2023. There won't be any races overseas for the time being for logistical reasons. I love racing, so I'll also be taking part in other events. Who knows, maybe some races will allow me to take the battery out of my bike. Because my sponsor GasGas doesn't have an organic bike in its programme. But I still have a lot of other things on my to-do list, so I certainly won't be bored. For example, I'll be doing a lot with my Texan buddy Uncle Ray. The guy is so cool and has incredible things planned. Let him surprise you.