Special Issue 2017: Stories

SPECIAL ISSUE 2017

STORIES

PYRENEES THEby FINAL LAP ADVENTUreal | | ALEXEJ FEDOROV

by HANNES KLAUSNER

by DAVID CACHON WHISTLER RACING

by JUSTIN LEOV - SHORT ISSUE 2017 -

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CONTENT

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THE FINAL LAP

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ADVENTUreal

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WHISTLER RACING

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PYRENEES

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THE

FINAL LAP

by Alexej Fedorov and Marcus Pudenz Most adventures start out in a casual manner, in our case two guys hanging out, thinking about bikes and where best to ride them. That day the plan was born to go on a ride, a long ride, under the code name “Search, Ride, Sleep”.

English text by Alex Burchell

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THE FINAL LAP

The dialogue went something along the lines of: Alexej: “The nights are already pretty cold, what about a place where we can still sleep under the sky with nothing but our sleeping bags?”

Marcus: “Yeah no problem. What about the Provence?”

All set and done, the next step was to find an appropriate location, a place with good trails or at least suitable terrain, since we did not want to follow the tracks of thousands of other bikers riding the same old trails, we wanted the thrill of discovery. Lengthy internet searches finally rewarded us with or destination: Gap. The next step was the task of compiling all our gear, plundering not only our basements for backpacks, sleeping bags, mattresses and a stove. Then the bike-check: checking every bolt, brake pads and every bearing. For good measure the bikes received new WTB tires and a reverse cockpit. Better safe than sorry. Then the car was loaded and we were on tour.

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THE FINAL LAP

However, plans change: By now it had gotten so cold and rainy that we had to divert from our initial plan and we had to improvise. In the time frame we had allocated the alpine Reschensee had the best weather forecast. Only problem was, we had exactly one day to find new riding locations and book our accommodation. Both proved harder than anticipated as the tourist season had already ended and most Hotels had already shut their doors. Finding appropriate trails to ride was also difficult since we wanted some adventure and not the tourist trails. In the end we found the Pension Tirol where a very friendly Christian Schรถpf greeted us after a four hour drive. Even though we arrived late at night Christian shared some of his local knowledge with us sharing with us his personal favorites offering stunning views.

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THE FINAL LAP

The early bird catches the worm. In that spirit we got up at 5 in the morning to start our voyage in Melago. It was cold and dark as we unpacked the car and set up our bikes. We mounted our lights and of we went up a narrow hiking trail heading for the WeiĂ&#x;kugelhĂźtte at 2541 meters. There are two trails leading there and due to our lack in planning we ended up taking the tough one and tough it was. The first 5k took us four hours of alternating periods of sweat and frost but it was worth it. Our early start rewarded us with a magnificent view of the sun rising over the mountain range. That morning we were alone up there, just us and nature and it was glorious. In front of the cabin we prepared our breakfast. Irish stew and Couscous with chicken and as final reward a cup of freshly brewed coffee served with the epic view of the surrounding glacier.

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THE FINAL LAP

Slowly the sun crept over the horizon slowly bathing us in its warm rays. The frozen pond next to us was a stark contrast. Satisfied and warm we eased into the downhill starting out on a nice wide trail which gradually turned into some sweet single-track. Accompanied by the spectacular view of the valley below us the trail got tight and twisted, sprinkled with just the right amount of roots to be technical but fun. The occasional hairpin turn kept us on our toes. The WTB tires were loyal companions who provided us with the confidence to commit into any corner, never budging, never slipping. The wide Reverse bars and the short stem had transformed the bike considerably, giving us precise control over the front end and the ability to place our mass right in the center of the bike.

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THE FINAL LAP

But what would a bike ride be without the time to savor the little things. We had already made considerable progress down the mountain so we decided to take a coffee brake right next to a stream. A warm beverage and the last breath of autumn in our face we could hardly believe that winter should soon settle down over this lush landscape. As we arrived back in our accommodation we were done for the day, longing only for rest and sleep.

The next day dawned and following an early breakfast we headed home, just as it started snowing. It was our final lap. Glad about making such good use of the last day of the autumn we made our way home.

Even before crossing the border we were immersed in planning our next trip, this time with at least one night under the stars, living the great adventure of life.

For our trip we would like to thank Vaude, Reverse Components, Primus, Sea To Summit, Trek’n Eat, WTB, Canon Deutschland, Bluegrass, MET and Conway Bikes.

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#adventuReal …what is it?

It´s a dream come true.

Basically I bought myself a “new” old camper van to roll around the world.

Searching for some new trails to ride my bike is what drives me.

Leaving home for freedom, freeride and adventure.

Making memories, not money.

Just me, my bike and my van to experience life.

My personal #lifebehindbars.

Back to the roots.

Simple, effective, real.

Project/Text/Rider: Hannes Klausner - Merida Biking Team Photos: ReneD by Dreirad Studios and Christoph Breiner

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#ADVENTUreal

It´s been a dream of mine since the early days I started riding bikes. The dream about pure freedom having the chance to go where ever I want when ever I want.

Waking up in the mountains right next to a lake riding some nice trails for breakfast is what I was thinking about.

The first stops of my new born life are all about exploring and getting used to my life on the road. Living in a camper for the next 7 months rolling around the continent as step 1 of my journey is really something I am looking forward to but also something I am not used to yet. Something new.

First of all I told myself: Make your camper look and feel comfortable because this will be your home for a long time now. And I did. And I love it. #rollinghome.

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#ADVENTUreal

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After that things started to really roll and here I am, on the road around Europe with some first stops in South of Austria, Soca Valley/Slovenia, Italy and down the coast of Croatia direction Albania.

Feeling nature 24 hours a day is what I really loved and appreciated from day one. The forests are my neighborhood, the lakes my bathtub and the people i randomly meet are my friends.

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#ADVENTUreal

Taking my bike out for a ride in an unknown area every single day just feels awesome and makes all the hard work and effort i put in worth it. New trails.

New views. New experiences. So valuable.

Especially Soca Valley blows my mind. Such an extremely green valley with a huge amount of possibilities to ride my bike, go for a hike or even chill on some amazingly looking waterfalls. Some of those 26

moments and places almost feel unnatural and people are super friendly. So worth the visit.

Hitting the road again just a few hours further landscape totally changes. I feel like traveling through a different world all of a sudden. Dry. Rocky. Scraggy.

The Coast down to South East of Europe is different but beautiful in itself and in a different way.

Driving right next to the sea for hours.

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#ADVENTUreal

A roadtripper´s dream.

Hard to find some proper riding spots though but in the end it´s just about not giving up and there they are. Trails all the way down to the beach with the fresh sea waiting for the well deserved after-ride swim.

A mountainbiker´s dream.

Plans are changing day by day on a trip like this and my life is by far more spontaneous than ever before. You gotta take things as they come and make the best of it to experience real life at its fullest.

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#ADVENTUreal

Choosing Europe for the first big roadtrip on the list has already paid off. So many different cultures, languages, people and landscapes in such a small area simply is amazing.

Being on the road alone is a challenge for myself but at the same time a great chance. Some short visits from friends and photographers though have been feeling better than ever so far.

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#ADVENTUreal

I for sure can say #mybiketakesmeplaces. Just so passionate about the sport and the freedom it gives me.

I can´t wait what´s next. The road is calling again and the journey will continue.

Stay tuned for more …and follow #adventuReal and @hannes_klausner for some daily updates.

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JUSTIN LEOV: WHISTLER RACING WORDS: JUSTIN LEOV PICTURES: ALE DI LULLO & FRASER BRITTON

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WHISTLER RACING

As you can tell from the title, I have something to announce, but let’s start off with the race report from Whistler‌ Coming in after Aspen we were greeted with a smoky arrival. The forest fires really made the air quality bad and even a normal ride was hard on the lungs. The stages this year were very blown out and it was going to be the race of the year in terms of holding on.

Top of the world trail into Ride Don't Slide was going to be close to 20 minutes and that trail is like doing 1000 push-ups!

I setup my bike a bit different to Aspen, up on the travel on the fork again to 180. Big brakes and lots of extra compression to handle the bumps. An FTD front and rear to help with punctures.

With the extremely dusty trails in practice we were greeted once again with rain, before the race and drizzle and showers on the day. This would make the first stage of the day slippery in places but almost perfect conditions for the rest of the day.

Dropping in for the first stage I was ready to go.

Speed was there and pushing on I had a crazy stage.

Two crashes on slippery roots but not a lot of time lost and a good feeling. Arms were feeling like rocks at the finish!

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WHISTLER RACING

Stage 2 was a physical short stage and had a lot of rock rollers. I didn't enjoy this stage in practice as it didn't have as much flow as the other stages but in the race it worked for me and I put in a solid stage.

With rain showers climbing up to stage 3 I got a little cold and dropping in I felt stiff for the first corners. Getting into the run towards the end of the stage was a little late but that's racing.

After a tech stop and then the longest climb of the event, we were at the last natural stage of the weekend before the bike park stage. This stage was extremely dusty and razor sharp rocks. Hitting something at the start of my run I was sure I had a front flat tire but luckily the air held and I could continue without issue. I hit my derailleur towards the end of the run and keeping it in gear was now a problem.

A bit of work on the cable tension helped get it to hold a gear and with the last stage of the weekend I had a solid stage to finish. Definitely a tough race on the body and bike but very happy to finish in 22nd without any major injury or mechanicals.

Coming to Whistler this year I knew it would be the last roll out here for me. It's been one hell of a ride but the time is now right for me to hang up my boots. Finale Ligure in October will be my last official race and then I plan to be at home a lot more next year to get into a few projects and more time spent with my family and kids.

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WHISTLER RACING

My wife and I have just purchased a block of land which used to hold National Downhill and Cross Country races when I was in my DH career. It's been many years since the tracks were used and with the trees cut from the land two years ago, a lot of work needs to be done to get them reinstated. We have just replanted 28 hectares in trees so now it's time to get the tracks back in. We plan to have accommodation on the property so anyone wanting to come visit NZ and do some trail building get in contact!

I'll also be coaching next year so I won't be completely removed from the industry; two wheels once in the blood stays for life I believe!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the people who have influenced my racing career. My manager Martin Whiteley, the guidance, professionalism and friendship, thank you.

Jason Marsh for the first years of help while in Europe. Teaching me to sneak into hotels in Switzerland to get free showers haha!

Gery Peyer for the two seasons on the Suspension Center team when I got my first World Cup podium, and for putting me up in Bern, Switzerland, for the summer.

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Chris Conroy, Hoog and the Yeti Cycles crew for signing me up. Damion Smith for coming and getting me when I broke my collarbone at a race while he was on vacation. The Trek crew, Ray Waxham and the awesome engineers especially Dylan Howes . Mark Fitzsimmons from Fox, many years and some really good times. The Go-Karting and Fitzy’s block moves on the Frenchies will always be burned into my mind!

Justin Frey for the tuning, awesome years.

My mechanics over the years especially the late Chris "Monk Dawg" Vazquez, thanks for keeping the bikes running sweet. Ben Arnott for being rad, and soigneur Paul Schlitz you are awesome! Never knew anyone who brought a keyboard to a race and played in the pits while we were practicing.

The Canyon crew, Flo ( RIP), Larry for being an incredible mechanic and then stepping up to being Team Manager. Fabien Barel for advice and belief.

To all my team mates over the years, these are the people who really make the races good times. Sharing lines and setups and good mates! Thank you. My coach Steve, cheers for keeping me fit and on track.

Adidas Sport eyewear, David and Reini thank you for the support with this diary and everything else you do for our sport.

Théâtre des Opérations, Jean-Pierre Coupé for advice help and getting these Diaries translated into five languages.

Lastly my awesome wife Victoria and all the #teamleov family. You can't do this game without a strong support network at home!

To all the fans. Thank you very much. One last outing, see you all in Finale Ligure!

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Pyrenees Catalunya MOUNTAIN BIKING HEIGHT

Words & Rider: David Cachon Photos: Fernando Marmolejo

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PYRENEES CATALUNYA

"Without doubt the Pyrenees of Catalonia are a jewel we have in the national geography, if we had to qualify them in some serious way as the gem of incalculable value. Landscapes of film, water, vegetation, gastronomy, activities, good weather and of course: mountain bike of the highest quality "David Cachón 8 are the BTT centers of which they have in the Catalan Pyrenees: Vall d'Aran - Betren, Solsonés - Vall de Lord, Salines - Bassegoda, Pallar Jussá, La Seu Alt Urgell, Ripolles, Berguedá and Valls d'Aneu.

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PYRENEES CATALUNYA

We can not forget its well-known thematic routes, 9 in total: Pedals del Pedraforca, Pedals d'Occitรกnia, Pedals de foc, Era Roda, Trinxat BTT, Gran Volta l'Empordรก, Raids al vent, Cerdanya 360ยบ and BI6000.

In our particular adventure we have entered two magical areas: the Val d'Aran and La Cerdanya. Despite being located both areas in the Pyrenees are very different from each other, each one is able to draw our attention and to attract us by their own particular merits and charms.

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All rights reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced or copied without a written permission of the publisher.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY EDITORS Alexej Fedorov Alex Burchell Hannes Klausner LAYOUT Alexej Fedorov PHOTOGRAPHERS Ale Di Lullo Fernando Marmolejo Alexej Fedorov Fraser Britton Rene D

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