MTB cycling: Accidents resulting in injuries are always bad, but when it happens to a proven top athlete, he fears for far more than just his hobby. Because passion and enthusiasm are put to the test. The former professional freerider Andi Wittmann was certainly also briefly in shock when he was diagnosed, but only a few months later he was beaming for the cameras again – again riding a Haibike XDURO Nduro Pro.
The living dream of a professional biker
Andi Wittmann has been known in the MTB scene for years. Not least as a high jump world record holder on a downhill bike or as an organizer of the Suzuki Nine Knights, the world's biggest bike event in terms of media. Because he always liked to have his camera with him when travelling, he also made sure that his exciting journeys could be documented – for example in his video project FRAMED. In addition to his equipment, his friendly smile was always there. It was obvious to the Bavarian that he could live his dream as a professional biker in the great outdoors. We also reported about him on Velomotion years ago when he together with Guido Tschugg on a discovery tour in the Himalayas was on the way. His high jumps and impressive tricks inspired many mountain bike fans all over the world.
Serious fall injuries force the professional
Andi Wittmann on the premature end of his career
However, his love of the sport was put to the test on August 1, 2015 when he sustained serious injuries in an accident. According to his own statements, the 28-year-old flew too far during a jump at a show event in Ruhpolding and then landed on the asphalt unchecked. The result: completely deformed and smashed feet. The specialists had serious doubts as to whether Andi Wittmann would ever be able to practice his profession again. For the Upper Bavarian, of course, shocking news that first had to be digested. But very quickly he regained his zest for life while sitting in a wheelchair. As soon as he got out of the hospital, he grabbed a handbike and motivated himself to beat his own times and speeds over and over again. This not only keeps him going back to physical activity, but also frees his mind.
Andi Wittmann fights back on an eBike
After four months in a wheelchair, Andi Wittmann was finally able to walk again, but he had his goal in the recovery process in mind from the start: He wants to get back on a bike. In the truest sense of the word, step by step he worked his way closer to his dream. However, he took some impressions with him on the way, so that he was also able to take a lot of positive things with him from the accident. Above all, he wanted to learn to appreciate everyday things again and not lose his zest for life. It was about accepting things as they are and making the best of your own situation. Andi Wittmann has undoubtedly succeeded in doing this in the past few months, because today he is actually on a bike again: the Haibike XDURO Nduro Pro. Since the thoroughbred athlete used to only smile at eBikes, he had to apply the wisdom he had learned directly and give the device a chance. He obviously hasn't regretted it, because it enabled him to reach his first mountain peak while he was still in rehab. Not only the motorized support is helpful for him, but also the weight distribution itself. This means that hard hits can be cushioned and the lower center of gravity takes the strain off your feet. Today, the smiles at the eBike have given way to a happy smile, because Andi Wittmann has identified the Haibike XDURO Nduro Pro as his perfect training device.
