"A second every year": Downhill youngster Vali Höll wants to move forward step by step

The 16-year-old from Pinzgau recently celebrated her first World Cup victory in the junior category. Her World Cup debut on home soil is just around the corner at the Out of Bounds Festival from 7 to 10 June. Before that, however, she will be travelling to Fort William (GBR) for the second World Cup stop today.

Vali, you made a sensational start to the season in Losinj in Croatia - your World Cup debut in the juniors and a win straight away. Your time would have been good enough for sixth place even in the elite class. How do you rate your performance?

"I can't believe it started so well. I mean, I'm still ten seconds off the elite, but they also have ten years more experience. That's why I thought to myself: one second every year until I'm there. Then that works out well.

In downhill, where there are few juniors and the field is smaller worldwide than in skiing, for example, you have to orientate yourself towards the top. That's also better for your motivation, it really pushes you. For example, Tahnee Seagrave was also very dominant in the junior class. She was always looking upwards, which is one reason why she is so good now. Although she is still so young, she also achieved her first World Cup success last year in Leogang."

What has changed since your debut victory in Croatia? Do you feel like you've moved further into the public spotlight?

"I definitely got more followers at the World Cup weekend. Before, when I was watching in Leogang, the pros didn't know me. But I was a huge fan of theirs, so it makes me even prouder that they now come up to me, greet me and we're one big family."

 
Although you've already raced in the IXS European Downhill Cup in Leogang, you've always been an onlooker at the World Cup and cheered at the finish line. How do you feel about your debut? Do you feel any pressure?

"I've waited so long to finally be able to stand in the start house in Leogang at the World Cup. This is a dream come true for me. I've already raced well and fast a few times, so I want to be good and fast at home too. I want to win and show what I can do. That's the pressure I put on myself. The challenge is to deal with it."

Has anything changed in your training since you started racing in the World Cup?

Because the home World Championships are on the programme in Leogang in 2020, the Austrian Cycling Federation has set up a training group, which is extremely cool. We boys train here with the experienced World Cup riders, such as David Trummer and Andi Kolb. At the weekend in Leogang, we worked a lot on our technique. It was extremely professional. And Leogang is the perfect training ground, there are some really great downhill tracks here."

 
You're the only girl at the training camp - what's it like competing with the boys?

"I'm used to being the only girl. I always was, even at primary school. There are only four young female downhillers in Austria, if that. I enjoy it and I just want to keep up with the boys. I realise that I get faster and better when I ride with them."

  
Eight years after the last event, the Bikepark Leogang will once again host a world championship in 2020. Could this be your world championship?

"I think it's super cool. 2020 will be my first year in the elite class. It will be extremely interesting. No girl has ever managed to be at the top in her first elite year. Of course I want to achieve that."

 
What are your other goals for the future?

"Staying injury-free is my main goal for the rest of my life. And to have fun, that's the most important thing. I forgot to have fun two years ago, so you have to remember how lucky you are to be able to do this sport and then you'll get good results again."

In just over a week's time, the world's best downhill mountain bikers will be competing in the Bikepark Leogang. The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup is now making its eighth guest appearance at Bikepark Leogang and the Out of Bounds Festival in Saalfelden Leogang from 7 - 10 June combines the World Cup with a spectacular supporting programme. In addition to side events to take part in and the large Team & Expo area, there will also be an open-air concert this year. Tickets for the Out of Bounds Festival and the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang are available at www.mtb-weltcup.at.

Programme overview Out of Bounds Festival:

Friday, 8 June

• 18.30 Hogmoa Team Challenge (bike fun race registration on site) and party
• 12.00 - 20.00 Team- and Expoarea

Saturday, 9 June

• 10.00 am Kids Pumptrack Challenge
• 12.15 pm World Cup Downhill - Seeding Run - Women Juniors
• 12.30 pm World Cup Downhill - Qualifying Round - Men Juniors
• 13.30 World Cup Downhill - Qualifying Round - Women Elite
• 14.00 World Cup Downhill - Qualifying Round - Men Elite
• 17.00 Freestyle Motocross Show
• 19.00 Freestyle Motocross Show
• 19.30 Open air concert with Strongbow - free entry!
• 10.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. Team and Expo Area

Sunday, 10 June

• 9.45 am World Cup Downhill - Final - Women Juniors
• 10.15 am World Cup Downhill Final - Women Elite
• 11.00 am Freestyle Motocross Show
• 13.30 World Cup Downhill Final - Men Elite
• 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Team and Expo Area