Peter Schaupp has been national coach at the BDR since 2005. From 2005 to 2013, he was in charge of the XCO juniors. In 2013, he took over from Frank Brückner and became the national XCO U23 and elite coach. The trained power system electronics technician has always enjoyed coaching athletes. He was already teaching others how to ski at the age of 15. We have taken a look at the career of the national XCO coach.
The fascination of sport
Peter has been passionate about sport since he was very young. First for athletics, then for volleyball. He even played in the national league. After finishing secondary school, he trained as an energy systems electronics technician. Thanks to his high level of fitness, 15 months of military service (1981) with the armoured infantry brigade in Munich and Murnau was no problem for him. He retires as a corporal.
Speed in love
Peter's absolute favourite sport is skiing. He was already giving lessons at the age of 15. Slalom races are not his thing, he is a fan of speed skiing. The aim is to reach maximum speed. In the 90s, he reached 211 km/h. This is where he gets his nickname "Speedy".
The love of biking
Mountain biking emerges at the end of the 80s. As a skier, Peter has the ideal qualifications. In 1987, he bought an Alpinestars hardtail. The very next year, he starts in the infamous downhill race in Kaprun.
Downhill roots
Peter knows a thing or two about speed. What he can do on skis, he puts into practice on his bike and races downhill for Team Hot Chili. In Mont Sainte Anne, he won the bronze medal in the Masters category at the 1998 World Championships. Soon he was passing on his knowledge to others. Giving courses and seeing how others develop as a result of his training appeals to Peter straight away.
Junior coaches
Peter obtained his MTB coaching licence in 1996. From 2005, he trains the juniors at the BDR. This is where he is in his element. In 2013, he was offered the position of national XCO elite coach. He accepts the offer and remains in this role for over ten years.
Difficult decisions
Making squad decisions is one of the unpleasant moments in Peter's job. "It's difficult to find the right words when you take someone out of the team. Sometimes you destroy dreams," says Peter looking back. However, it has also been possible to generate motivation. Take Lia Schrievers, for example, who was dropped from the 2022 squad and fought her way back. Peter's tasks also included nominating her for the Olympics.
Beautiful memories
Peter celebrated successes, suffered defeats and always cheered on his protégés. The dialogue with the young athletes is what keeps Peter Jung going. Witnessing Luca Schwarzbauer's development and career is one of the highlights of his work as national coach, says Peter. Peter sees rosy times ahead for Kira Böhm. "She's still a long way from the top of her career," says Peter.
Prospects
As XCO national coach, Peter was on the road 140 to 170 days a year. At training camps, races all over the world and other major events. Now Peter is retiring and wants to devote himself to things that were neglected during this time. For example, renovating his house. He wants to stay true to the sport and continue to train athletes on a smaller scale or help out when needed. In addition to sport, Peter is also passionate about old cars. He owns a w123 and a w126 Mercedes, which he likes to tinker with.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
