We met riding technique coach Marc Brodesser at the BIKE Festival in Willingen. The Willingen local reveals his favourite routes, explains why skinnies look different today than they used to - and why most crashes don't happen on the most difficult trails.
Marc Brodesser: Definitely the Propain Trail. Although it officially belongs to the Green Trail Centre, it runs parallel to the bike park's flow trails. It has a flow trail character, but feels much more natural. You ride completely through the forest, not constantly from berm to berm. For me personally, this is closer to mountain biking than much of what is sold as a flow trail today.
BIKE: So less motorway, more trail?
Brodesser: Exactly. Not extremely technical, but more natural.
BIKE: And if someone is looking for a bit more of a challenge?
Brodesser: Then the enduro trail in the bike park. This is constantly being developed and offers significantly more technical challenges. If you like riding roots, rocks and tricky passages, this is the right place for you.
BIKE: If you could only ride one route today, which one would you choose?
Brodesser: The Flow Country. It was built by Didi Schneider, and you can really tell when a route has been crafted really well. Sure, it's rather simple. But even simple trails feel good for all abilities if they are designed correctly. The Flow Country in Willingen is one of them for me.
BIKE: How challenging is the downhill route? Do you have to be afraid?
Brodesser: No. It's cleverly built. You can avoid practically every jump. There are difficult and easy lines. Of course, you should have a certain amount of riding ability - it's steep, rooty and rough in places. But it's not a route where normal riders will automatically get into trouble.
BIKE: When I was last here, there were still Northshores and Skinnies. Do they still exist?
Brodesser: Yes, but it has been significantly defused. In the past, we sometimes stood several metres above the ground on narrow wooden beams. That was often more a test of courage than riding technique. Today, there are still elements like this, but usually at a reasonable height.
BIKE: Do you miss the old freeride days when northshore stunts were the hard currency in freeriding?
Brodesser: A little bit. I still find technically demanding skinnies exciting. But the consequences no longer have to be part of it. It can be tricky. It doesn't have to be dangerous.
BIKE: What is the most common mistake made by bike park visitors? Especially at an event like the BIKE Festival in Willingen?
Brodesser: Lack of self-assessment. Many people ride routes or at speeds that don't match their ability. You see that all the time.
BIKE: Is fatigue also an issue?
Brodesser: Oh yes. Many of them haven't been on a bike much. Then they come to the festival and line up one lift ride after the next. The lift here is fast, you're back at the top in no time. You do one run after another. At some point your concentration wanes, even though you still feel fit. That's when most mistakes happen. It's like skiing: The last descent is often the most dangerous.
BIKE: There are now lots of races and challenges in Willingen. What else excites you?
Brodesser: The marathon. It's been around for 26 years and I just love the atmosphere. For me, it's not about times or placings. But the experience has always been great. I've run the marathon many times and never looked at the results list afterwards.
BIKE: Seriously?
Brodesser: Really. I like the start, the atmosphere, the people. If you have ambition, you can of course go full throttle there. But you don't have to. I like that.
BIKE: Many people shy away from the word marathon.
Brodesser: Completely unnecessary. There are also short distances. You still get to experience the most beautiful trails and the best atmosphere. For many visitors, this would probably even be my insider tip for a Willingen weekend.
BIKE: Your verdict on Willingen?
Brodesser: It's the variety that makes the difference. Flow trail, enduro, downhill, green trails, marathon - there's something for everyone here. And that's probably the biggest difference compared to the past. Today, you no longer have to decide what kind of mountain biker you want to be. You can ride everything in one weekend.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
