Mountain bike World Cup riders very personal

We have interviewed a few of the stars of the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill and Cross Country World Cups for you. Don't miss the chance to get to know Vali Höll, Andi Kolb, Nino Schurter and Kate Courntey a little closer and more personally.

Vali Höll


WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2021 WORLD CUP SEASON?

It is difficult to estimate what my goals are for the 2021 World Cup season. Due to the crash at the World Champs 2020, my self-confidence is unfortunately not yet where it used to be, but I'm working on it. My pace was extremely good last year but since the injury it's hard for me to assess myself again. I've never had that before, that I have to overcome mental blocks and build myself up again, but I'm 'on the way'.


WERE YOU ABLE TO RECOVER WELL AFTER YOUR CRASH AT THE HOME WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS? HOW DID THE REBUILDING AFTER YOUR INJURY AND THE TRAINING LOOK LIKE?

After the first surgery, two intensive rehab months followed at the Red Bull Performance Center in Thalgau. From Monday to Friday I had rehab, physio sessions, training sessions, mental trainings, nutrition consultations, etc. It was an intense but mega cool time. Then in March 2021 came the second surgery and after that it really got better. I can move my foot better again and biking goes well again, too. The healing process will take longer, but so far it's going well.


THE BIKEPARK LEOGANG CELEBRATES ITS 20TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY OF THE BIKEPARK AND WHAT DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH IT?

The bikepark in Leogang has been associated with me my whole life and I with it. I can still remember how my parents picked me up from elementary school and then we often went to the bikepark. While they were already doing the first laps, I did my homework and when I was done, we rode a few laps together. I was always there from a very young age.


WHAT CAREER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN IF YOU HADN'T BECOME A PROFESSIONAL BIKER?

That's a difficult question 'haha'. I would actually still like to study, but don't know what yet. I only had my Matura in 2020 and have not yet had a head for what would interest me. Currently, however, I will definitely focus on biking. We'll see what I do after that and where it takes me.


NR. 1 PRO-TIP FOR ALL BIKE FANS OUT THERE?

Just go to the bikepark with your friends and have fun. Try to keep up with the fastest bikers and you will see that you will quickly get better.

Andi Kolb


WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2021 WORLD CUP SEASON?

The goal for this season is certainly to achieve my first top 10 result. Overall, I would like to be consistently in the top 15/20 again, so that I am one of the protected riders.


WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST WHEN YOU COME TO LEOGANG?

Definitely the atmosphere! Racing in front of your home crowd is something special. I'm also looking forward to the new forest section. Steep and technical sections are just awesome!


DO YOU HAVE A RITUAL BEFORE THE RACE?

Yes, in the meantime I have a good ritual which has also helped me a lot against my nervousness. This includes for example: ...when do I eat, when do I drink my coffee, when do I start my warmup, etc. I think having a regular routine is extremely important.


WHAT PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN PROFESSIONALLY IF YOU HADN'T BECOME A PROFESSIONAL BIKER?

I think there is no other way. I learned to be a car technician and worked as one for 6 years, but that was definitely not the right thing for me. I think I will stay in the bike business after my bike career. Track construction is awesome, let's see ... 😊

Kate Courtney

Kate Courtney has unfortunately injured herself in Nove Mesto and can not start in Leogang. Nevertheless, we did not want to withhold her interview from
you.


WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2021 WORLD CUP SEASON?

My goal for the 2021 World Cup season is to consistently compete at the top of the field. This past season was challenging for me, as it was for many others, and I am grateful for a new season with many opportunities to compete and perform.


WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN YOU COME TO LEOGANG?

I'm looking forward to riding the track, which is one of my favorites.


DO YOU HAVE A RITUAL BEFORE THE RACE?

Yes! I think having a pre-race ritual is an incredibly important part of race preparation. Rituals help me focus mentally and remind me of all the things I've done to be well prepared at the start line.


WHAT CAREER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN IF YOU HADN'T BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE?

I studied human biology in college and would probably work in a health-related field.

Nino Schurter


WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2021 WORLD CUP SEASON?

With the Olympics this season, the World Cup is the benchmark. My goal is to win more World Cup races. After all, Julien Absalon is still one win ahead of me.


WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST WHEN YOU COME TO LEOGANG?

I still have a score to settle with Leogang. The World Cup went pretty badly for me. I can do better this year!


DO YOU HAVE A RITUAL BEFORE THE RACE?

Focus and mental preparation are certainly a recurring ritual. But there is no exciting mumbo jumbo in it.


WHAT CAREER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN IF YOU HADN'T BECOME A PROFESSIONAL BIKER?

Fortunately, I made my favorite activity my profession. So I never had to ask myself this question. If I hadn't made it to the top, I would probably be working in an advertising agency today, where I also completed my apprenticeship.