Lois Eller's World Cup debut: Downhill junior Lois: Three green splits - then Pssssssch!

Lois Eller (16) is the man of the hour from a German perspective. After his impressive overall victory in the iXS European Downhill Cup 2025, he is now embarking on his first Word Cup season. Cycling is in Eller's blood: his father Holger Meyer and his mother Karen Eller can both look back on successful racing careers. This predisposition and the intensive family support make him a hot candidate for podium places. Lois Eller is considered to be exceptionally fast, especially on technical tracks, even in wet and slippery conditions. Lois travelled to South Korea with his dad Holger and celebrated his World Cup Junior debut. We spoke to him on the phone shortly afterwards.

Lois, how disappointed are you - but also how happy are you about those three green split times in qualifying? (Editor's note. Lois was faster in qualifying than everyone else in the first three segments)

To be honest, I'm not sad at all. The flat tyre - that's not in my control, it just happens. When I crossed the finish line at the bottom, I was already angry because they said to me: "You're going really fast at the top." I was extra angry then. But then I got over it. Look to the future. Would I have crashed because of my own mistake? That's another topic. But the flat tyre - that's just bad luck.

You are now riding your first World Cup season. When did you make the decision? I want to race the World Cup?

I used to get to know Jackson Goldstone in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. My idol. We skied together, he was already older. I thought: I want to do that too. The World Cup was my goal from an early age. Cycling as a job, racing - that's what I always wanted. Freeride? Was never an option. I like the adrenaline. The feeling when everything goes perfectly after the race run.

Can you remember the moment when you were faster than your dad?

Not really. At some point, I always rode in front. At some point I was: "Dad, you're driving so slowly, let me have a go now." I've been riding in front ever since. Me, Dad, my big sister Leni, then Mum. But an exact moment? I can't remember.

Korea - how was travelling with your father? You were in New Zealand before, you know other juniors. Your résumé?

I have a lot of friends who ride the World Cup. It's like a family when you arrive. But it's different to before. More pressure. You have a qualifying run, you have to make the final. Otherwise you don't have a race. In other races it didn't matter. Now you have to deliver. Mentally tougher. And everyone rides really well - really everyone.

Have you ever been to a World Cup as a spectator before?

Yes, a few times. I've also done track walks. But standing in the start gate - that's something else.

What did you think of the track in Korea?

Quite cool actually. Not a bike park thing, more natural. We don't have any real berms back home in Garmisch, it's more like New Zealand. A lot of people were sceptical. It would have been better if the organisers had let a few riders through beforehand to get some tracks in. But it was fresh, nothing had been run in yet.

South Korea - first time there?

Yeah, really cool. The people are funny, everything is different. And the food? Very tasty, I was really surprised. Korean BBQ, fish in Seoul. Once we saw a live octopus in a pan. Crazy shit. We didn't eat that.

Your biggest fear before the race?

I tried not to have any expectations. I was a bit worried that there might be something on the bike that Dad and I wouldn't be able to fix. We're not the best mechanics. That's why we had a second bike with us. Other than that? It was relaxed.

Take me through your race run. How do you stay cool at the start?

Just before the start, I hugged Dad again. "I'll see you later." I was nervous at the start gate. Now it's getting serious.

You have a mental coach. What helps you?

I try to stay calm, take a deep breath. 97 per cent - the number has stuck in my head. It's a strange number, but it works. You automatically give more in the race run anyway, but I don't want to overpace.

And then?

I started out. I visualise a lot, I did everything as visualised. The first bend was loose, then came the flow. I got everything I wanted, but didn't give it my all. Just get down well, don't risk everything. The section before the flat tyre I was still thinking: "Dude, that was fast."

Then came the flat tyre.

Exactly. Then I was like, "Oh, nope."

The place where everyone had flat tyres?

Yes, you have to jump into the drop, small drop, but you don't brake because you need speed. And then there are only stones. 50:50 chance. A lot of people have got flat tyres there.

What was going through your head?

I heard the thud, heard the air go out. "Oh, nope." But I thought: "Never mind, I'll carry on anyway, qualify anyway." Three bends later, I hit the deck. Tyre slipped off the back, no air left in it.

Hurt?

A bit on the toe. Nothing serious.

Dad called?

Only at the finish. I saw that he had called. I called back: "Everything's fine, just had a flat tyre." Everyone at the top asked him what was wrong. First green, then red.

What's the coolest thing about travelling with dad - and where is it annoying?

We can rely on each other. He knows what I need. When I'm nervous, what helps. It feels like home. What's annoying? Sometimes going home early at after-parties. "Right, home now." But otherwise? Dad is cool.

Contact with the elite - you know Jackson Goldstone. Do you babble there?

You hardly ever see the big pros. The others - Henry Kiefer or something - you talk to them briefly. "Hey, how's it going, what do you think of the track?" But you tend to concentrate on yourself. You talk more after the race.

What was the main topic among the drivers?

The route is loose. That was the biggest topic. But in the end, many people liked it.

Who is the junior champion?

Johnty Williamson, New Zealander. Second year junior, already a few podiums last year. Has now also won.

Who are you close with?

Good with many, but nobody really tight. With a few New Zealanders. And Levin Klausmann, I train with him from time to time. He's professional, that's cool. But he wasn't here.
At the World Cup, not everyone does everything together. Everyone concentrates on themselves.

Do you think that's good?

On the one hand, yes, people are taking it more seriously. On the other hand, it's serious. No more: ride together, then race, see what comes out. But I like racing, that's fine.

Where do you still have the most potential?

With the material. I don't care, I just want to ride my bike. But testing suspension travel, that sort of thing - I can still get a lot out of it. I'm still too unprofessional. When Dad says: "Try this", I think: "Yes, yes, I just want to ride."

Who are you rooting for at Elite?

Jackson, of course. Even if many say: "He's already won a lot." And Henri Kiefer. I talk to him from time to time, he's really nice. I don't begrudge him it.

Who is the most stylish driver?

Max Alran He's a divine driver. You see a video and think: "Wow, that's awesome."

How does your dad help you?

For lots of little things. Cooks for me, cleans my bike, I can relax. And he has experience too. It's often the little things that help.

How are things at school? Exotic status?

I'm at a winter sports school, many skiers are constantly absent. They understand. Sometimes they get annoyed when we submit another exemption. But it works. And now I have the New Zealand school - one term I only do digital lessons. Downhill is the national sport there. They totally get it.

Celebrity bonus with the girls?

They see I have a few followers on Instagram. But that I ride in the World Cup? Not that many know. Not everyone here knows about downhill.

You're also a good skier. Did you make a conscious decision to go downhill?

I used to ski race and wanted to do it professionally. But they're so serious, and so early on. That's not for me. I knew 3-4 years ago that I wanted to be a downhill pro. Last winter we said: I'll train for the bike. Now I go freeskiing for fun - for fun.

What are you looking forward to now?

To the next World Cup: Loudenvielle in France. The whole summer, all the World Cups. Especially Leogang - like home, not far away. And Worldchamps Val di Sole. I really like the course.

How difficult do you find training and weight training?

Weight training is good for me. I feel more confident on the bike. Every time I overcome my weaker self - it's a cool feeling. That's part of it. But of course: cycling is more fun.

Your goal for this season?

Two years Junior World Cup. Then UCI team. That's the plan. Four green splits next time, haha.