MTB cycling / lifestyle: Saalfelden Leogang is undoubtedly one of the hottest MTB spots in Europe - a playground for adrenaline addicts and fans of fantastically beautiful trails. An Eldorado that of course also offers perfect conditions for events. Mountain bike sport at the highest level is guaranteed every year by events such as White Style or Out of Bounds. This year, the scene's top riders showed once again what is possible with enough riding skills. A great year that the stars in Saalfelden Leogang are happy to look back on.
Aaron Gwin (USA), UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup winner in Leogang 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017: “Some of the best memories of my career so far have come from Leogang, most notably my Chainless win in 2015. I've had a lot of successes here and just love everything about this place. The scenery is unique, the food is fantastic and our hotel is also one of the best of the season. The 'Speedster' is super flowy and extremely fast, so you have to know exactly what you're doing and drive very precisely. The fans here are just awesome too!”
Tahnée Seagrave (GBR), winner of the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in Leogang 2017: “Winning my first World Cup here in Leogang took an enormous burden off my shoulders. About time too! Since then, I've been able to concentrate much better on the driving itself, without the pressure of finally wanting to win a World Cup. The cool thing about Leogang is that the 26TRIX Slopestyle takes place parallel to the World Cup. It's just amazing how the boys go all out! Apparently there is enough talent in Leogang too – great what Vali whips out for whips! I found out she's my fan. Maybe I should take them to Wales because there's nothing like a good shred after a rainy day.”
Torquato Testa (ITA), Winner White Style 2017: “I really like being in Leogang. The scenery with the Leoganger Steinberge is unique and just awesome! It is also the only destination that holds two FMB events in one season with the White Style and the 26TRIX. The White Style 2014 was my first contest in Leogang and I still remember how I couldn't wait to trick the snow jumps! The 'Speedster' World Cup track also appeals to me, but maybe more for fun. I'm too lame to keep up with the World Cup boys! (laughs)"
Diego Caverzasi (ITA), winner 26TRIX 2016 and 2017: "A good time is inevitable on a trip to Leogang for 26TRIX! The whole weekend is always one big party with the other riders. The course is relatively short, which means you'll have to pull off your craziest tricks on every jump if you want to win. That's why it doesn't feel better anywhere to hit your best run here, nervously waiting for the judges' scores and then being rewarded with a podium finish alongside your buddies! Believe it or not, I've been to Leogang seven times now and not once have I taken the gondola to the summit to shred the bike park. High time to go on holiday here!”
Valentina Höll (AUT), winner iXS European Downhill Cup U17: "In Leogang, everything is just right, starting with the fast lift and the free washing area to the brilliant World Cup course. The 'Speedster' is an ideal mix of many elements, with many high-speed but also some technical sections and many jumps - just my thing! The fact that the last race of the European Cup this year took place here in my home spot and also on a World Cup course was something special! It was also really cool that I set the fastest time for the women that day. And that's even though my dad taped my injured fingers right before I crashed into a tree in training! (laughs)"
Markus Pekoll (AUT), Austrian Downhill great, European Champion 2013, six-time Austrian State Champion: “Leogang has grown very dear to me since my first race in 2008. I like the people here, their positive attitude towards mountain biking, the warmth with which you are welcomed here. A wonderful feeling! I was seen here as an athlete right from the start and didn't have to explain to anyone what I was actually doing - that was extremely motivating for me! My farewell race was correspondingly emotional. I stood at the start of the 'Speedster' for the final of the iXS Cup in lederhosen and a hat, thanked the stewards and made myself aware: That was it after this run. I really enjoyed the whole ride, had a lot of fun and braked at the finish with enormous satisfaction. All the positive feedback from the last month about my departure was simply confirmed again on site in Leogang and gave me the feeling, dammit, I did a lot right. What remains in the end are not the great successes, but how you got along with the people. Thank you Leogang for the wonderful time! Here's to more cool days here in Saalfelden Leogang!"
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