Only feels really good when his face is splattered with dirt: marathon biker Karl Platt.
Karl Platt (47) started mountain biking at the age of 14. He celebrated his greatest successes on the marathon distance. Karl Platt won the legendary Cape Epic stage race in South Africa a total of nine times (5 x Elite, 4 x Masters). Platt was German MTB marathon champion in 2008 and 2015. He has contested the toughest race across the Alps, the BIKE Transalp, 20 times, winning seven times as a pro and three times as a master. He rides for Team Bulls and is a brand ambassador for Sigma.
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Karl Platt: What I always wanted to say ...
Fast cars tempt me. When I let my Porsche drift, I forget space and time.
The XC World Cup has developed brutally. It's so cool to watch the racers. I watch every World Cup - I don't want to miss anything.
I had a good transition after my professional career. I'm still racing, but without the pressure. I get to keep living my dream, and I'm so grateful for that!
My children roll their eyes when I grow a moustache and try to be funny. And I see red when the kids make a mess in the kitchen and don't clean up afterwards.
At home in the Palatinate, in South Africa, Livigno, in the Engadine - there are so many super trails - and I've ridden so many. I love natural trails. I can't do much with big jumps - unfortunately!
When I see the Red Bull Rampage, I get gasping for breath
In 1996, I was German junior downhill champion. But the bikes back then had nothing to do with the modern downhillers of today. Even my current marathon bike is worlds better and I ask myself: How did we get down the mountain back then?
My biggest test of courage? My jump from the ten-metre tower - I had to overcome myself enormously. And discussions with my wife push me to the limit. Then I'd rather get off the ten metre!
I'm constantly afraid of missing something. But I quickly forget that. So in the end I didn't miss anything after all!
Every time I watch the Red Bull Rampage, I get gasping for breath. The Rampage guys are awesome!
I grew up in Siberia. Na Zdorovye! Sure, I still speak Russian.
My 'red flag'? When you abandon a race.
The best way to relax is with a nice glass of wine. At home.
I am impressed by intelligent people. I find intelligence sensational. I can learn an incredible amount from them.
If you've got nothing, every race can be your toughest
When I flick through the TV programme, I usually get stuck on political programmes. Or Marvel films.
There's not that much left on my bucket list. I've worked through most of it. However, there's always something new. For example, I'd like to go to the Himalayas.
Nothing really bothers me about my wife. I wish she could say the same about me. Because a lot of things bother her.
I love barbecuing. My favourite is fillet steaks. They turn out really well and I never have any leftovers.
The toughest race? If you've got nothing, every race can be your toughest and a real slog.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
