For the fifth edition of the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang the concept will be further honed in the areas of testing, workshops and guiding. Numerous well-known riding technique coaches and some "stars of the bike scene" were already on site last year. In 2023, many of them will be riding tours with the participants again and giving tips on riding technique and the correct use of the latest equipment in the workshops. Other fun hands-on events and cool parties round off the attractive festival programme.
The live blog for the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang
We will be reporting live from Austria during the festival days:
1. test new bikes for the first time in 2024
Just exhibited at the Eurobike in Frankfurt, now already in the manufacturers' test fleet. At the BIKE Festival in Saalfelden Leogang, you can test 2024 bikes for the first time - under tough conditions on one of the numerous bike park trails or even on the original UCI downhill course. The following manufacturers have already given the green light.
- Specialised
- Scott
- Pivot
- Liteville
- Flyer
2. have an action photo taken of you - by a professional photographer
Have you always wanted professional bike photos of yourself? Then the Photo Days at the BIKE Festival in Leogang are just the thing for you! Our photographers will be lurking at various sections of the route throughout the day to put you in the best light. All times and locations will be posted on site. The respective photo spots will also be announced early on the routes with eye-catching signage. One day later, the pictures can be viewed online and are available for download. All you have to do to take part is pick up a wristband at the Saalfelden Leogang stand. The Photo Days take place on Saturday and Sunday.
From the following day, you can view all the photos on our website and purchase them as downloads at a fair price. Or you can even order your photo as a print product, which will be sent to your home.
3. learn from the pros at the BIKE Academy
We offer various workshops with our partners. For example, how to convert your tyres to tubeless and what to look out for. Expert Pia Überlein from KENDA also holds the record for changing tyres on time. Do you want to know how it works or do you think you can do it faster than Pia? Then take part in the KENDA Tubeless Workshop participate. Further workshops:
- KENDA Tubelesse Workshop
- Bitburger 0.0% Rides
- Technology workshops - All about brake, drive and wheel punctures
- Chassis setup on tour - with BIKE test manager Peter Nilges
- eMTB riding technique - Workshop for beginners - with Stefan Schlie
- eMTB riding technique - Workshop for advanced students - with Stefan Schlie
- Rookies BIKE Ride - with Elias Schwärzler
- Ride Hot Shots - with Lukas Knopf
- Bag Jump Session - with Lukas Knopf
- Techy Trails - with Jasper Jauch
- Pump track workshop - with Joost Wichmann
- "Personal training" - with bike guide and coach Gerald Rosenkranz
4. blow the whistle on the BIKE, FREERIDE or EMTB editorial team
Have you always had questions about the magazines BIKE, FREERIDE or EMTB, have ideas for the magazine, criticism or want to talk shop with the team behind the magazines? Then come to our tent and ask for contact persons. We look forward to getting to know you.
5. ride the brand new AlteSchmiede trail
A new single trail will be opened at the BIKE Festival in Saalfelden Leogang. The 3.5-kilometre trail starts above the mountain station on the Asitz in the direction of Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The hand-built trail will feature flowing turns, Northshores and easy technical sections. We don't yet know whether the trail will work. Find out with us.
6. marvel at new products and talk shop with the experts
Numerous brands will be exhibiting their new products on the Expo site. In addition to bikes, there will also be parts and accessories. Discover new trends and products: The BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang is a showcase for the latest trends, innovations and products in the mountain bike industry. You can discover the latest equipment and accessories, get advice and perhaps find the perfect upgrade for your own bike. Company representatives will be happy to advise you.
7. jump into the airbag
An air cushion is available at the valley station of the Asitzbahn in Leogang. Have you always wanted to really take off, but lack the skills and confidence to take on dirt in tough conditions? Then take the plunge and jump into the air cushion. If you pay attention to a few points, you can experience airtime with almost no risk. Even better: jump into the airbag under the professional guidance of Youtuber and bike pro Lukas Knopf. Register for this at the BIKE Academy.
You must observe the following when jumping into the airbag: 1. approach the ramp with determination, do not break off. 2. jump off evenly (front, back). 3. do not push the bike away during the jump phase.
8. try the best Kaiserschmarrn in Salzburgerland
We love Austria. Not only because of its mountains, lakes, people and bike park trails, but also because of its dishes. First and foremost: the Kaiserschmarrn. According to our source, the best is to be found at the Stöcklalm-Alm. To get there, simply get off at the middle station of the Asitzbahn and roll the few metres over to the hut.
9. find your favourite trail in the Bikepark Leogang
Find your favourite trail in Bikepark Leogang. There are several trails to choose from. Including the original UCI downhill trail for experts only.
Our top routes:
Enduro descent: Steinberg-Line into Matzalm-Trail
Jumpline: Flying Gangster
Singletrail: Hangman 1 into Flowlink into Hangman 2
10th season finale: enjoy festival vibes, shows and partying with like-minded people one last time
The MTB season is slowly drawing to a close as autumn approaches, but our Epic Bikepark Leogang is still open until the beginning of November. The Leogang mountain railway even runs until the start of the ski season for hikers. Nevertheless: enjoy the full load now! You can look forward to shows by Tom Öhler and co. Meet your favourite pros such as Jasper Jauch, runner-up world champion Andi Kolb, Elias Schwärzler and Lukas Knopf. The B3 is ready for a proper party on Saturday evening.
TIP for Friday: the film event "Nothing's For Free - The History Of Freeride Mountain Biking"
The BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang has a special highlight to offer on Friday evening: At 19:30, the film "Nothing's For Free - The History Of Freeride Mountain Biking" will be shown. The screening will take place in the Asitzbräu and there are around 350 seats available on a first come, first served basis.
The ride on the mountain railway and admission are free of charge. The organisers ask for voluntary donations for the foundation Wings for Life. This foundation is dedicated to research into spinal cord injuries and aims to find a cure for paraplegia.
I'm really happy that Nothing's For Free will be shown at the BIKE Festival in Saalfelden Leogang at such a cool venue up on the mountain. Leogang is a long-time supporter of Freeride Entertainment and the sport of freeriding in general. I hope all participants enjoy this special evening and hope for many donations for the Wings for Life Foundation. Let's keep working together to cure spinal cord injuries! - Derek Westerlund, director of Nothing's For Free
Nothing's For Free - The History of Freeride Mountain Biking - at the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang:
When: Friday, 15 September, at 19:30 (admission from 18:30)
Where: Asitzbräu at the Asitzbahn mountain station in Saalfelden Leogang
Laurin Lehner
Editor
