MTB News: After 2012, the Austrian MTB Mecca Saalfelden Leogang has again been awarded the contract for hosting the Downhill World Championships in 2020. The best of the best will once again compete on what is probably one of the most popular and fastest routes in downhill racing. In a short interview, Danny Hart (GBR), Aaron Gwin (USA), Tracey Hannah (AUS), Valentina Höll (AUT), Loris Vergier (FRA), Troy Brosnan (AUS), Markus Pekoll (AUT), Greg Minnaar ( RSA) and Brendan Fairclough (GBR) about Leogang, the upcoming World Championships and the future of downhill sports.
What's the first thing you think of when you hear "Leogang"?
Danny: Of a fast track and schnitzel.
Aaron: Oh man I have so many memories! Leogang is one of the most important racing locations of my career. I'm always really looking forward to driving there. I've had some big up's and down's there over the last few years but I love Leogang!
Tracey: A great fast track with a nice view.
Valentina: Of my first bike moments. When I was about six years old, I did my homework in the restaurant at the lift station while I waited for my parents who were out biking. When I finished my homework, we went biking together. 😉
Lori: To a tough race.
Troy: To a fantastic village with lots of cool tracks.
Mark: At world-class races and hotels.
Greg: Leogang has one of the most scenic back drops in the World Cup.
Brendan: To a great bike park in Austria and the home of the UCI World Cup for many years.
Describe Bikepark Leogang in three words!
Danny: Slippery Rock Garden
Aaron: Everything can happen
Tracey: Steep, technical, exhausting
Valentina: Super great fun
Lori: Jumps, dirt, speed
Troy: fun, brakes, hills
Mark: One stop shop
Greg: Little of everything
Brendan: Flowy, fast, berms
What was your most nerve-racking moment in Leogang?
Danny: Every final I took part in in Leogang was nerve-wracking because I haven't driven that many before – somehow I'm always injured in Leogang.
Aaron: I would say my craziest Leogang moment was during the 2012 World Cup when my rear brake failed. It happened on a really fast section and I'm incredibly grateful that the resulting crash went relatively lightly. I don't think I've ever been so scared during a race as I was that day.
Tracey: When it rains the track is quite slippery and difficult to ride. So every run can be nerve-wracking.
Valentina: During the qualifying run of my first European Cup race, I somehow managed to be seven seconds faster than elite rider Carina Cappellari, who had won qualifying. On the day of the race I actually wanted to do it again, but unfortunately I crashed… haha.
Lori: Waiting for the last rider to come down the hill.
Troy: When I ruptured my spleen in 2012...
Mark: When I descended the Stairs of Contrast* with one foot during my run in 2014.
Greg: When I fell a few years ago and tore my cruciate ligament and meniscus.
Brendan: The Flying Fox.
Who do you think will win in 2020?
Danny: It's still a while away, but I hope so.
Aaron: So if I had to bet, I would put my money on myself.
Tracey: It's hard to say because there is so much potential for new, young riders to develop before then. Anyone can win the race.
Valentina: I. Haha, just kidding. I think Tahnee will dominate for the next few years but 2020 will be my first elite year so I'm hoping to do well too.
Lori: Steve Peat.
Troy: The fastest rider of the day!
Mark: Might be the one with the best time.
Greg: Hopefully me. Haha.
Brendan: I guess the one who drives the fastest.
Do you think 29” wheels will be standard in MTB downhill racing in 2020? And if so, would the Speedster be suitable for this?
Danny: The way things are going right now, there's a chance it could go in that direction. Like it or not, if it's faster, it's going to happen.
Aaron: Hard to say as I've never ridden a downhill bike with 29" wheels. But I think that's quite possible. So yes.
Tracey: No, I do not think so. I think we have a good compromise with the 650B wheels - not too big, not too small.
Valentina: I hope not. For a small person like me, that would certainly not be very comfortable. 😉
Lori: I'm not sure, but if so, then the Speedster would certainly be a good fit!
Troy: I really don't know, maybe for taller riders. But for smaller riders, 29-inch wheels would probably be more of a disadvantage.
Mark: Four years ago we didn't think 27,5” would come, but they've become the norm very quickly. So I guess it could turn out that way. And yes, Leogang is definitely a track that would be a good fit for 29-inch wheels.
Greg: I have no idea what direction downhill bikes will take, but whatever the direction, I don't think it will be course specific. Leogang is a demanding track, many riders have misjudged it and thought it was easy... You really have to be in top form there.
Brendan: I hope not.