MTB News / Lifestyle: The Red Bull District Ride is coming back to Nuremberg! On September 1st and 2nd, the Franconian metropolis will be the final venue of the FMB Diamond Series 2017. The unique in-city slopestyle course is being designed by BMX star Drew Benzanson and slopestyle hero Martin Söderström. In an interview, the Swede reveals details about the new course – and who he sees as the favourites.
Martin, your name is also closely linked to this legendary event. What makes the Red Bull District Ride so special?
The Red Bull District Ride has always been my absolute favorite event. Since most FMB World Tour events take place in the mountains, it is always a very special feeling to be at the start and look out over Nuremberg's beautiful old town. You're in a really good mood there. Then there are the tens of thousands of spectators who cheer you on along the entire route. You just can't stop grinning despite having a proper respect for the huge tricks you're trying to pull off.
When you look back on it, what memory sticks in your mind in particular?
Looking back over my entire career, the final feature of the Red Bull District Ride is definitely the most surreal experience I've ever had: I was standing up there 20.000 meters high and the adrenaline was still rushing through my body from the previous tricks . When I then dropped into the last feature, I realized that you couldn't really see the main market anymore because it was filled to the brim with XNUMX fans. I'll never forget how it felt to pull off that last trick in my life and I'm a little jealous of the riders who will experience it again in Nuremberg this September.
What motivated you to be part of this mega event again this year?
I was never able to win the event myself. I only got second. At least now I have the chance to build the best course in the history of the Red Bull District Ride (laughs).
You will design part of the course alongside Drew Bezanson and the Mellow Park crew. What will be new this year?
I'm super happy with the team. Drew is an incredibly creative BMX rider. He will surely cause one or the other surprise in the Park District. I myself want to use my 10+ years of slopestyle experience to design something that will take the sport to the next level. I'm most looking forward to the new double drop in the Big Air District. If you do a backflip on the first jump, you'll see the crowd down in the main market square upside down. It's going to be insanely spectacular!
As you mentioned, many FMB World Tour events take place in mountainous regions. How does the urban setting of the Red Bull District Ride affect the riders?
The most incredible thing is that the spectators can be so close to the track. As a driver, you have to get used to it a bit. You have to focus 110% on yourself. The driver's ability to concentrate makes the difference between top results and crashes.
What is the biggest challenge in the five districts?
Well, the fact that there are five districts is the biggest challenge. Typically, a course has between five and ten features. At the District Ride there will be 15-20, spread over five districts. This doubles the chance of making a mistake and losing points. The most consistent rider will end up on top of the podium and not the one with the one big trick.
Which district would Martin Söderström most like to ride and what tricks would he show?
I've always been a big fan of technical driving. We're going to have a lot of obstacles in a small space in the fourth district. You'll either score big here if you have a similar technical riding style to mine, or lose real ground if you haven't worked on your technical skills. I think I would do best there. But in the other parts of the track with the huge jumps we will see the biggest tricks I can only dream of.
Who do you think will fight for the title this year?
As I said, I believe that the riders who ride the most consistently do best on this circuit. It takes years of experience to be that consistent. I think we're going to see more of the established riders at the top. If I had to give a tip now, my podium would look like this: 1st Brett Rheeder (CAN), 2nd Max Fredriksson (SWE), 3rd Thomas Genon (BEL)