Hit the Trails with the Pros

Downhill, freeride, slopestyle and pump track: this is what the Epic Bikepark Leogang has stood for over the past 25 years. From 2 to 4 October, the bike festival Saalfelden Leogang will once again put riding technique, action and interaction with the bike community centre stage. Workshops, an expo and a packed programme of activities will turn Saalfelden Leogang into the meeting point for the autumn bike season.

Under the motto “Ride with the Pro”, four professional riders with different areas of expertise will be taking part: Lukas Knopf, Elias Schwärzler, Marlena Neißl and Maximus Wielopolski. During rides and workshops on the trails and at the pump track, participants can work on their riding technique, line choice, balance and bike control.

 

Lukas Knopf: From Crankworx Slopestyle to the Hot Shots fired by GoPro Line

Lukas Knopf has been a prominent figure in the international slopestyle and freeride scene for years and has competed in major Crankworx Slopestyle events, among others. In Leogang, the German pro will take experienced riders down the line as part of the “Hot Shots Ride”. Bag jump and pump track sessions are also on the programme.

 

Elias Schwärzler: Downhill Experience and 272.93 km/h on a Mountain Bike

Elias Schwärzler is known for his extraordinary bike projects. In 2022, the rider from Vorarlberg set a Guinness World Record, reaching a speed of 272.93 km/h on a mountain bike pulled by a motorbike. As part of the “Scott Gambler Ride Out”, he will hit the trails with participants on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A signing session with Schwärzler will also take place on Saturday.

 

Marlena Neißl: Back on World Championship Terrain

Leogang is also a special place for Marlena Neißl from a sporting perspective: the Austrian downhill rider competed here at the 2020 Mountain Bike World Championships. During the “Womens Downhill Session” on Saturday and Sunday, the focus will be on riding technique, line choice and greater confidence and control on the descent.

 

Maximus Wielopolski: Slopestyle Skills for the Pump Track

The younger generation of slopestyle riders will also be represented by Maximus Wielopolski. The German dirt rider will share tips on timing and bike control during the “Pumptrack Progress Workshop”. Before the workshops, he will showcase his own skills in a slopestyle session. The sessions will take place on all three festival days at the World Champs Pump Track.

 

Workshops, Expo and Gravity Finale

The “Ride with the Pro” sessions are part of the BIKE Academy. The programme will be complemented by riding technique training with eMTB expert Stefan Schlie and MTB personal trainer Gerald Rosenkranz. Anja Kallenbach and Eric Junker will also join the “Happy Trails Ride”, sharing tips on riding technique, line choice and bike handling out on the trails.

Numerous brands will also showcase their latest bikes and innovations, which can be tested directly on the lines and trails of the Epic Bikepark Leogang.

On Sunday, the season finale of the auner Austrian Gravity Series will take place. The Show Down will also host the Salzburg and Tyrol provincial championships. Younger riders can look forward to the VPACE Kids Cup on Saturday, while Bike Trial Shows and other programme highlights round off the festival.

 

Test, Ride, Compare

The bike festival Saalfelden Leogang starts on Friday, 2 October at 11.00 am, with the official opening taking place at 12.00 noon. Admission is free. All trails in the Epic Bikepark Leogang will be open throughout the festival weekend. Festival visitors will receive a 10 per cent discount on their bike ticket.