The 20th anniversary of the Bike Transalp is just around the corner. Team Velomotion will be there with Lennard Heidenreich and Mathias Frohn. While many diligent readers of Velomotion already know Lennard, the name Mathias Frohn might be new to some - and he is certainly no stranger to the MTB scene. For example, the rider from the Firebike Drössiger team was German Champion Masters 2016 in XCO in 1. We interviewed our two riders and are already looking forward to this year's edition of the Bike Transalp.
Velomotion: Hello Mathias, please introduce yourself to our readers. Where are you from, how old are you, what is your job, how long have you been cycling and what other hobbies do you have?
Mathias: I'm 32 years old, I was born and grew up in Nettersheim-Marmagen in the North Eifel. After graduating from high school, community service and carpentry training, I have been living in Düsseldorf since 2008 because I work there for the professional fire brigade (fire engine, rescue service, height rescue). As a child of the Eifel, I grew up with the MTB and have always ridden a bike. Ambitious and then also with a racing license, I've been racing since about 2010. In addition to a very successful season on the road, I stayed true to MTB mainly in the marathon discipline, but also occasionally in XC. In the off-season I compete in cross-duathlons and I run and climb all year round (also) as compensation.
Velomotion: This year you will be at the start of the Bike Transalp with our editor Lennard, how did that come about?
Mathias: The MTB marathon scene is family-oriented, so I already knew Lennard from the races. I really noticed him at the Langenberg Marathon in 2015, because I was able to help him with his victory in the middle distance. This year Lennard then asked me if I wanted to ride the Transalp with him.
Velomotion: Lennard, you must have had something in mind when you asked Mathias. Why did you ask him of all people?
Lennard: This year I was looking for a team partner who could really show me where the hammer is. Mathias and I have known each other for a while. We've already done a few races against each other. So far I've always had to take the short cut in the end. Sometimes tighter, sometimes less tight. Mathias is more than qualified, both athletically and personally. I'm sure I can learn a lot from Mathias during the week.
Velomotion: Tell me, what are your strengths and weaknesses individually and as a team?
Mathias: Over time and with my job as a firefighter, I've become more experienced and relaxed, which can be important in such a long stage race if the emotions should get the better of the young firebrand ;-). I would describe myself as a good downhiller and climber, the steeper the better. I would describe the fact that my motivation suffers on flat sections and in bad weather as a weakness.
Lennard: My strengths are definitely the track length. The longer the day the better for me. In terms of the course, I prefer stretches that are not too steep. This applies both uphill and downhill on the trail. I can play to my strengths to the full on flat sections and slight inclines. If I manage to follow Mathias' line choice downhill, the loss of time downhill should be limited. I invested a few hours in technical training over the winter, and we're both on fullys this year. I am sure we will complement each other well.
Velomotion: Please briefly introduce your bikes to us.
Lennard: I will be riding a Centurion Numinis XC Team this year. Unlike the standard equipment, my bike has tires from Maxxis (Ikon), a Rotor Inpower wattage crank with Q-Rings, a longer stem and, after the Zillertal Bike Challenge, a retractable seat post. I don’t think it will be the material .
Mathias: Since this year I've been riding a fully for long races that can be technically demanding. My carbon 29er has 100mm of travel. I ride on Continental X-King tires, but I play it safe on the rear wheel and ride the more stable Protection carcass. Thanks to the sponsorship of SRM, I am always informed about my performance through the power meter (wattmeter) and the PC8 display panel.
Velomotion: Have you set yourself a goal for your performance in the Transalp?
Lennard: Seven days can be long and hard. First of all, it is important to arrive healthy and unscathed at the finish. Neither of us are professionals, so the main thing for us is to have fun racing. But of course we don't go to the event without any ambitions. We've both had a good first half of the season. A result in the top 20 would be cool. It is also worthwhile for me to take a look at the U23 ranking. Maybe there's something.
Mathias: After my adventurous experiences in stage races in South Africa and Poland/Czech Republic/Slovakia, my goal is to arrive healthy and with an intact relationship with my team partner Lennard at Lake Garda.
Velomotion: The Bike Transalp starts on July 16th. What are your final preparations like?
Lennard: This weekend I will contest the Zillertal Bike Challenge. This is followed by a training week coupled with a family vacation in Saalfelden. I spend the week before the start of the Transalp enjoying myself in the Zillertal and filling up my storage tanks. I hope that I also get the opportunity to fight the cyclist tan a bit.
Mathias: In addition to a short climbing trip, during which I loosen up from the MTB World Championships in Singen, there are two more marathons on the agenda. Whether I decide to do a long distance or not depends on my feelings.
Velomotion: Thank you for the interview. We look forward to hearing from you!