He is world champion, city downhill king and perennial favourite in Valparaíso - but Tomáš Slavík prefers to stand by the water with a fishing rod in his hand. A conversation about speed, stairs and the art of staying calm in chaos.
Who is Tomáš Slavík? The king of four-cross
Tomáš Slavík (38) has dominated the world's four-cross elite for over a decade. The Czech, world champion and multiple World Cup winner, began his career in BMX before winning the world title in 4X in 2010. He has been riding for the Ghost Bikes team since 2012 and impresses with his extreme consistency. After the UCI cancelled the discipline, Slavík specialised in spectacular city downhills. He has already won four times in Valparaiso and is also the favourite in Stuttgart.
Switch off with the counter programme: fishing instead of adrenaline
Tomáš Slavíka: Fishing is the best way for me to switch off. Fishing is my greatest passion and brings balance into my life. Normally, speed, pressure, timing and performance determine my life. My favourite place to fish is Lake NOVOMLYNSKA, where I grew up. And the River Rokytna - it brings back childhood memories. For me, it's not just about catching fish. It's about being outside, reading the water, winding down and having a good time.
BIKE: Who would you swap lives with for a day?
Probably with someone like Ken Roczen. Just to see how his head works. I've always looked up to supercross riders and love their performance. It would be interesting to experience that mindset from the inside.
BIKE: Which film makes you laugh?
Adam Sandler films. The guy is funny.
BIKE: In which country would you like to have a second home?
In Chile. I have a very strong connection there. The people, the riding, the atmosphere, the food, the energy and the fans. It already feels like a second home. My favourite place is Surazo in Matanzas!
Valparaíso in your head: fascination and respect for risk
BIKE: Do you sometimes have bad dreams about the stairs in Valpo?
Not really bad dreams, but Valparaíso lives somewhere deep in my head. These stairs are legendary, but also brutal. Sometimes you think about them more than you want to before the race. It's one of those places where you know that a small mistake can become a very big one.
BIKE: Whose riding style do you like best?
I like riders who ride smoothly and aggressively at the same time. A very difficult combination! Adrien Loron, for example, always had a very stylish and powerful riding style. But to be honest, I respect any riding style as long as it's fast!
BIKE: Which training exercise do you hate? And which do you love?
I hate intervals the most. True torture, but absolutely necessary. Favourite: Explosive strength exercises and race simulations.
Between world champion title and event organiser: more than just a racing driver
BIKE: If you could choose another location for the Cerro Abajo series - what would it be?
I would love to see a real Red Bull Cerro Abajo in Prague. The city has a fantastic history, crazy streets, stairs, views and atmosphere. It could be absolutely iconic if done right. And the most important thing: home crowd.
BIKE: What experience has had the biggest impact on your life?
Probably my first world championship title. It changed my view of myself and what is possible. But the organisation of the JBC 4X Revelations also had a big impact on me. It showed me that I could build something much bigger than just my own racing career. Creating an event, bringing the best riders in the world to my home region and seeing thousands of fans there - that's something very special.
BIKE: What should not be missing in your fridge?
Good cheese, eggs, Red Bull and not forgetting: cold beer.
BIKE: What makes you really angry?
Injustice, wrong people, long queues.
BIKE: What dream have you given up on?
Perhaps the dream of a completely normal, peaceful life. I think that ship has sailed. But to be honest, I'm okay with that.
BIKE: Which habits should you give up - and which should you start?
I should stop thinking about things I can't control. And I should drink more water because I just don't do it. My girlfriend keeps giving me hell about it.
What was your biggest test of courage?
Coming back after heavy crashes and still being on the start line of races like Valparaíso.
No plan B: why a normal life is no longer an option
BIKE: What's the most amazing stunt you've ever seen?
Travis Pastrana, who survives his everyday life.
BIKE: Which video edit has impressed you the most recently?
I've always been a fan of video edits. But every year I get more and more interested in BTS/vlogs of athletes - how they race, prepare, realise their projects or just live their ordinary lives.
BIKE: Which of your fun toys is particularly close to your heart?
My bike comes first, of course. But of the "toys", I would probably choose the fishing equipment.
BIKE: What do you need more time for?
For my girlfriend, regeneration, family, friends and my own projects. I have so many ideas, but my diary is always full. More time to develop things properly would be great. But this battle against time is hard to win.
BIKE: Where do you get stuck when you're scrolling through Insta or YouTube?
Fishing videos, van conversions and stupidly funny reels. The dangerous combination.
BIKE: What is a temptation for you?
Good food, cold beer and a new crazy project that I don't really have time for.
What would you spend a lot of money on?
My van, fishing equipment and things that help me perform better.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
