Market / Lifestyle: The mountain bike legend “Mr. Backflip” Timo Pritzel and the Californian cult manufacturer Marin Bikes are now going a common path. In an interview, the 40-year-old Berliner, who has worked in various film productions such as New World Disorder, talks about his new sponsor, his ambitions and his passion for yoga.
Timo, why a new bike sponsor now?
I'm not really the type to switch sponsors like underwear, but after two short years with my old sponsor it was definitely time for a change. That's why I was looking for a brand that really suits me.
And why Marine?
There are two reasons for me: First, the Berlin bear and the Californian bear go very well together. Second, Marin was already a big brand when I started mountain biking in the 90s. Back then I dreamed of owning one myself. I also like the California lifestyle combined with the fact that this brand was born and grew up in San Francisco's hippie days. You can tell from their products that Marin's team consists of bike enthusiasts themselves and they really want to build bikes for the riders. I was also really impressed when I found out that they just signed young freerider Matt Jones and developed a dirt jump frame with him. Many other brands would have withdrawn there. But the most important thing is that we are totally on the same wavelength as people – and: I love the bikes from Marin!
Will you also be on the road with the Wolf Ridge?
Sure, the Wolf Ridge is a unique bike, I was dying to try it myself. Already on my first descent in Saalbach I fell completely in love with the bike! The Naild React 2 Play system really works as advertised by Marin! At my age, after 34 years of biking and crashing, I've become a little more sensitive to my body and I'm no longer a big fan of being really rocked on the bike - that's why I found the 29er tires on Wolf Ridge to be perfect for me . It has super flow and behaves like a very short travel bike uphill and like a 160mm travel weapon when I need it downhill. You simply have to drive it yourself! It feels like a bike from the future that I can ride today. I'm sure we'll be hearing and seeing more of Wolf Ridge in the future.
How does the future look for Timo Pritzel?
First of all, I'm overjoyed to be able to continue living my dream, which started at Christmas 1983 with my first BMX. I was five then. My second passion, yoga, is also a big and important part of my life and I really enjoy being able to pass on my knowledge at bike camps and festivals. For me it is crucial that I do what I love. I think most people can tell very quickly when you don't have complete faith in something you represent. It's never easy for athletes to focus only on the competitive side of the sport. But if you ignore the signs and push more and more, it won't end well in the end. That's why the mixture of being an athlete and being a yoga teacher works perfectly for me. I'm not "Mister Backflip" from the early 2000s anymore. On the other hand, that doesn't mean that I only sit in yoga sessions. You can see that, for example, in my current Nine Knights pictures. I still love jumping over a fat hip. But afterwards I try to give the young freeriders a little yoga lesson.
Timo, where do you drive when you're not out and about in the big, wide world?
I live in Berlin and thankfully very close to a forest where I like to drive. You won't find the biggest jumps or the most technically demanding trails in Berlin there, but it's just like a little vacation, being out in nature and switching off your head and cell phone. Especially with my new Wolf Ridge. But I can't wait to try all the other Marin models. I look forward to being outside, traveling and producing good content that motivates others to get on their bikes.
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