Whether in Germany, Austria, Spain, Canada or the USA, the 21-year-old has taken part in various FMB World Tour events around the world. The Frenchman's greatest success was a fourth place at the Gold Level Event O'Marisquino in Vigo (ESP). In Spain, Bringer showed his enormous talent and even left top stars of the slopestyle scene such as Nicholi Rogatkin (USA) and Lukas Knopf (GER) in his wake. By taking first place in the Red Bull Best Line Video Contest, the French "Hulk" collected a further 300 points and deservedly crowned his season with the coveted Red Bull Rookie of the Year Award.
This gives Tim Bringer the chance to show off his skills on one of the world's biggest slopestyle stages: at Crankworx Rotorua. At the season opener of the FMB World Tour 2020 in New Zealand, Bringer will be up against the world's elite including Brett Rheeder (CAN), Nicholi Rogatkin (USA), Erik Fedko (GER), Tomas Lemoine (FRA), Dawid Godziek (POL) and many more. Before we can answer the question of whether his style leads to good results with the Kiwis, we spoke to the Frenchman at length. Bringer tells us how he got into mountain biking and how he feels about Crankworx Rotorua, where he will be competing in the slopestyle contest in a few months' time.
For the people who don't know you, who are you and why do they call you Hulk?
My name is Timothé Bringer. I'm from France, I'm 21 years old and I've been on my bike for 17/18 years. The nickname is because of my height. I'm definitely a big guy. (*laughs*) (Editor's note. 1.94m.)
Let's talk about your 2019 season. How satisfied are you? What were your goals?
I had my first real experience in the MTB world this year, especially slopestyle was completely new territory for me. Riding with all the people was great fun. It was really hard to realise my expectations at the contests, but now I know what I need to work on next season. I really wanted a wildcard and I've got it. So: goal achieved.
Looking back, what was your highlight on the FMB World Tour in 2019?
My trip to Canada and the USA for the Big White TvS Invitational and the Fox US Open - CLIF Slopestyle was just awesome. I met so many nice people and the Big White course was great fun. I'm already looking forward to next year.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won the Red Bull Rookie of the Year Award?
I am totally stoked. My first FMB World Tour Diamond event with all the top stars, I can't wait for it to start!!!
You mentioned it, what goes through your mind when you think of Crankworx Rotorua and the high-calibre field of participants?
On the one hand it's scary, but on the other hand it will be a lot of fun to ride with the guys. I already know some of them and I like hanging out with them. We're going to have a great time in New Zealand.
How important do you think an event like the Red Bull Rookie of the Year Award is for the riders and the entire dirt jump / slopestyle scene?
The idea is sensational and important! It gives up-and-coming riders the chance to take part in a diamond event. The Red Bull Rookie of the Year Award needs to be around for a long time so that up-and-coming riders get exposure and a taste of the highest level our sport has to offer. I'm really grateful to have won the Red Bull Rookie of the Year Award this year.
When did you start with Dirt Jump?
I only really got into MTB last summer. Before that I rode BMX for 16 years. I love dirt jumping and as I'm quite tall, MTB is the best option for me.
Who was your biggest inspiration to start biking?
My biggest inspiration is my father. He got me into biking. My father and my family have made me who I am today.
Are there any plans for the off-season?
I will spend a lot of time on the bike and prepare myself specifically for next season. I still have a lot of work to do to be ready for Rotorua. But I can hardly wait.
Looking ahead to the 2020 season, which events are you most looking forward to?
I will be competing in as many FMB World Tour Gold events as possible to get as many points as possible so that I can compete in all the Diamond events.
Tim, thanks for taking the time and good luck with your preparations for Crankworx Rotorua!
Red Bull Best Line results
As part of the Red Bull Rookie of the Year Awards, there was an online video competition for the first time - the Red Bull Best Line Contest. In the video contest, the riders submitted a clip of their run, which was categorised as an FMB World Tour Silver Event. The winner received 300 points in accordance with the Silver Event scoring system.
Numerous top-class videos were submitted by riders from all over the world and presented the judges with a major challenge. Throughout the season, the American Owen Marks and the eventual Red Bull Rookie of the Year winner Tim Bringer (FRA) battled it out for the top position. The two were also on an equal footing when it came to the Red Bull Best Line clip. With a score of 92 points, the Frenchman also won the Best Line contest just ahead of Marks (90 points). Marcel Durbau Pimas (ESP) came third in the video contest with 84 points and also took third place in the Red Bull Rookie of the Year Award.
- Tim Bringer: Backflip Double Tail Whip to Barspin, Cash Roll, 360 Triple Barspin, Flair
- Owen Marks: Oppo 360 Drop, Backflip Triple Barspin, 360 Tailwhip to Barspin
- Marcel Durbau: Backflip Tailwhip, Truckdriver, Cork 720, 720, Flair
The Red Bull Best Line clips worth seeing can be found on Instagram at: LINK
Red Bull Best Line results
1st Timothé Bringer (FRA)
2. Owen Marks (USA)
3rd Marcel Durbau Pimas (ESP)
4th Diego Solans (ESP)
5th Philip Gray (SUI)
6th Lukas Weilenmann (GER)
7th Garret Mechem (USA)
8th Leo Fields (BRA)
9th Carlos Mateu (ESP)
10th James Angiulo (USA)
11th Aleix Planella (ESP)
12th Rhayner Silva (ESP)
13th Chris Gates (USA)
14th Mika Hohlbaum (GER)
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