Scholze’s Diamond Event Premier
June 27, 2016Swatch Prime Line is casting its shadow. 23 riders will be battling for valuable Diamond Series points from Friday July 1st at the FMB Event in Munich, Germany. Amongst big and some new names one German made it into the lineup: Nico Scholze. The 21-year-old was awarded one of two FMB Wildcards during 26TRIX after sending a sick run, winning the Best Trick competition and being one of the two best ranked riders, who hadn’t qualified for Swatch Prime Line yet. We got the chance to catch up with him, to give more insight about who the young German from Filderstadt actually is.
Thanks for taking the time, Nico. How did you start riding MTB and slopestyle?
Funny thing really: I came back from the summer holidays and on the first day of school there was a piece of paper pinned on the notice board. Someone was collecting signatures in order to build a dirt park in my hometown. The boy, who I helped with the project, motivated me to ride every single day. At the same time we built the first dirt park in Filderstadt.
Where does your passion for mountain biking come from?
It used to be my friends and other riders from the dirt spot, who motivated me most. However, I know now, that I am just really addicted to the sport. It’s great to be progressing day-by-day and trying out new spots. I also think: every day on a bike is a good day. No matter which park or location I am at.
You’ve been competing on the FMB World Tour since 2014. What do you think of your development?
I’ve been battling one injury since 2014: a broken scaphoid bone in my hand. I was even younger back then and never really let it heal, so that it always broke again, when I fell. But I’m healthy now and it’s great to be able to ride a whole season. I was able to take big steps, thanks to lots of training in Barcelona during the winter. That’s really good for the mental part of things as well, because when you know your way around, you know you’re save and what you can do, without having to take to big risks.
You rewarded yourself with an FMB Wildcard at 26TRIX this year. How stoked are you to be at Swatch Prim Line?
I desperately wanted to go to Swatch Prime Line, because there are so many points at stake. I totally stoked to be sending it at my first FMB Diamond Event. This will give me a big push and I hope to use the chance in order to be a regular in the FMB Diamond Series in the future. So I’m fully concentrated this weekend.
What do you expect?
My expectations towards myself may be a little high. I’ve trained a lot in the past and therefore expect a lot. Overall I’m really looking forward to the course and hope the weather will be more like summer this weekend!
What are you looking forward to?
I really am looking forward to seeing all my dudes there. It’s the first time they will be able to come and watch me at such a huge event, as Munich is not far from Stuttgart. Of course I’m looking forward to a great atmosphere and the Olympia Park. I’ve heard that the vibes are pretty amazing there.
What are you planning to send?
Well, I’m not going to reveal too much, but I may try out a trick, that will be new for me. Otherwise a back flip.
Where else do you want to be heading on the FMB World Tour this season?
It would be a dream come true to qualify for Joyride. I would just be so stoked to be able to shred the course in Whistler. Apart from that I will head to GlemmRide in Saalbach. The course looked sick last year.
Thanks, Nico. We wish you all the best for the upcoming weekend!
Photos by davidrobinsonphoto.com