Interview | Andi Wittmann goes Enduro
From freeride-pro to enduro racer… is that possible? Andi Wittmann wants to rise to the challenge. He’s got a license for the upcoming season in order to enter multiple races, but what does it mean for your training plan when seconds win races not big jumps?
Andi has chosen time-proven methods and is preparing for the season on La Palma. Markus Greber accompanied his trip as photographer and brought us some promising pictures.
What changes Andi can expect, find out in our interview:
Hi Andi, how’s the winter break going?
Hi ! The 2015 season is approaching rapidly and I’ve just got back from my warm-up on La Palma. I’ve been going there for several years to get my riding feel back on track during the winter. My big news is that I’ve applied for a racing licence and this year I’ll be doing both big jumps and several enduro races.
From Freerider to Enduro racer? What changes does that mean for you?
Quite simply – without fitness it’ll be tough – and not just in the enduro races! Since my shoulder injury in 2011 I’ve been much more aware of my body, diet and fitness. It’s the only way to reach performance whilst minimising the risk of injury. I don’t want to neglect my freeriding by racing enduro. So my schedule won’t be any less full.
What excites you about enduro?
Enduro for me means the way we rode right at the beginning: we set off, ride with friends to the top of a mountain and then battle our way down again over certain stages. That’s why training for this type of riding is perfect for me as it contains a healthy mix of endurance, intervals, coordination and strength.
Do you have a defined training plan and a trainer?
I’m looked after by the Puch Sports School in Früstenfeldbruck. I get perfect guidance and can really train hard. La Palma was a perfect opportunity to check my current condition and link it up with the bike. I spent a few days getting the miles in on the road bike and then spent the rest of the time on my new Giant Reign and had a heap of fun. It’s incredible how much difference it makes when your body is ready and and you can ride all day at 100% concentration. If your body is weak you aren’t fully in control and the risk of injury increases rapidly.
How seriously are you approaching the races? Is fun the priority or do you have concrete goals?
Fun has always been my priority ever since I started riding so that’s how I’ll approach the races. My schedule is pretty full with freeride projects like the Suzuki Nine Knights Event in Livigno or my other video and travel projects. So I see the whole thing as another challenge and can’t wait to see how the races go. I’ve really enjoyed the training and it’s given my off-season a good structure and, yes of course there’s always a bit of ambition there too!
Do you also have freeride plans for next year?
Of course, Suzuki Nine Knights enters its third round in Livigno and there are other interesting projects too. It really motivates me to use the variety of our sport which I’ve tried to express in my newest video FRAMED III:
To be authentic and credible you need to provide results so let’s see whether it works out, hehe.
Do you have any tips for winter training?
Along with some well earned biking time out and the relevant fitness training I can really recommend everyone to get a winter warm-up done somewhere in a warmer climate so that you can get some real trail kilometers done on the bike. But take it easy! Your motivation will be at 200% and that can lead to stupid mistakes. La Palma is a perfect destination for that!
Thank you for the interview!
To find out more about what’s Andi up to, check out his Facebook page!
Interview: Hannah Röther | Pictures: Markus Greber