Interview with Nat Ross: 5 questions to the US ex-professional about e-racing
EMTB
· 24.07.2023
Since 2017, the Bosch eMTB Challenge at the BIKE Festival in Riva, one of the first events created specifically for e-mountain bikers. The races in the competition series for amateur riders consist of different uphill and downhill stages. The focus is on fun. However, with its own world championship and the World Cup races of the WES (World E-Bike Series), the e-MTB has arrived in professional racing on the tracks of this world. Although e-bike races are mainly held in Europe. We spoke to MTB legend Nat Ross about e-racing.
EMTB: What brings an endurance athlete to the E-MTB?
Nat Ross: I've always been attracted to new things. Back then, I was the first person to win a bike race on a 29-inch bike. And for me, the E-MTB was also a development that I wanted to be part of. Power, speed, technology - I believe that E-MTB is taking the entire sport forward immensely. And racing at the top level is always a challenge.
And what makes e-racing so exciting for you?
E-racing adds a few more aspects. Even more technical tuning, even more brainpower. There are many things to consider and play out accordingly. You need to know what you can do with the bike and where the limits are.
You've been to the E-MTB World Championships and know the European race formats. What's it like in the USA?
Here in the States, there are a few individual events that are great fun - especially the races that Troy Lee has created. There's a lot going on there too. But the number of spectators here is still limited.
There are still reservations about e-MTBs in the USA.
Yes, unfortunately. In many states, you are not allowed to ride in national forests and state parks. There are bike shops in the best spots that don't sell or hire out e-MTBs. That's not comparable to Europe. Organisations like People for Bikes are working to solve the regulatory problems.
Where do you see the future of e-racing?
It has so much potential, but that has yet to be discovered. If you bring the spectators close to extreme uphills and incorporate obstacles where the riders' skills are on show. Maybe you can also think about light downhill formats alongside enduro and CC. You have to try to demonstrate to people in the best possible way how spectacular the E-MTB can be.
At this point, you will find external content that complements the article. You can display and hide it with a click.
MTB boom town Betonville
The richest family in the world is turning their hometown into a bike town. And bikes are turning the small town of Bentonvillle in north-west Arkansas into one of the most liveable places in the USA. Read more:
