BIKE: Johannes, nice to meet you in Willingen. What does the BIKE Festival mean to you?
Johannes Fischbach: I think the festival is just awesome. And when the sun is shining, it's perfect anyway. I actually wanted to ride the downhill. The last five years I was always able to sign up later. This time that wasn't possible.
BIKE: Why?
Supposedly there is a new timing system and only 500 transponders. The 500 starting places were gone. So the issue was settled.
BIKE: Why the German E-Enduro Championship now?
Exactly. After all, I want to ride something. I can't do it without racing.
BIKE: You're in the middle of preparing for Red Bull Cerro Abajo. You should be in good shape.
I'm already fit. But not necessarily for an e-enduro race. That's something completely different. The technical uphills will probably be the biggest challenge for me.
BIKE: Do you know the format at all?
A little bit. I rode the Bosch eMTB Challenge at the Garda Trentino Bike Festival. There were these no-feet zones. If you put your foot down, you get five penalty seconds. On top of the time you lose anyway. That quickly adds up.
BIKE:How did you do there?
Seventh.
BIKE: What is the goal here in Willingen? German champion?
I would like to. (laughs) But I definitely wouldn't describe myself as a favourite.
BIKE: Why so cautious?
Because I don't know the terrain. The special stages are ridden blind. If you ride here regularly and know the trails, you have a clear advantage.
BIKE: Which bike are you taking to the start line?
With my Raymon Enduro Tarok. 160 millimetres of suspension travel at the front, 150 at the rear. Visually, it looks like a light e-bike, but it has plenty of power. The Avinox M2S motor is installed, but limited to 750 watts due to regulations.
BIKE: How do you do it? Backpack or race mode?
Race mode. I take as little as possible with me. A water bottle, an energy bar, inner tube and pump. Nothing more. And then I hope that everything holds up.
BIKE: The big urban DH race awaits in a few weeks: Red Bull Cerro Abajo in Genoa. What is your mood like?
Completely relaxed mentally. Physically, I also feel good. However, I have trained almost exclusively for short bursts. That's why my legs could explode here on the E-Enduro (laughs).
BIKE: In Genoa you have to defend your silver medal from last year. Do you feel any pressure?
No, nothing special. Pressure is normal. Pressure is always part of it when you compete in races like this. I've known that for years. I can deal with it well.
BIKE: What would be a successful result for you in Genoa?
If I can realise my potential. In urban downhill, it's often down to the smallest detail. But if everything comes together, I want to be at the front again.
BIKE: Then we wish you every success - for the German Championships and for Genoa.
Thank you. See you at the finish.
Indeed: Johannes Fischbach becomes German E-Enduro Champion 2026 ahead of Christian Textor in 2nd place and Erich Emmrich in 3rd place. Congratulations!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
