We became aware of the Ruso brothers Daniel and Elias through a crazy YouTube clip. The two of them dropped their big bikes over a 10-metre drop and tried to use their momentum to do double backflips over the following giant kicker. This first went wrong with unbelievable falls and bail-outs. Then the two of them succeeded. In the years that followed, the Austrian brothers established themselves in the bike scene.
Elias now has almost a quarter of a million followers on Insta (236 thousand) and, together with his brother, is not only known for his daring stunts, but also for his positive charisma. So it's no wonder that the two are often invited to events and courted by sponsors. In 2023, the Rusos travelled to the Red Bull Rampage with Clemens Kaudela as a dig team to support their buddy's participation, but also to experience the Red Bull Rampage up close. Because the competition is on both brothers' much-cited bucket list. Career highlight: Elias was voted King of Darkness in 2024 at the legendary Darkfest in South Africa (event with the world's biggest jumps), one of the most prestigious awards in freeride mountain biking.
Here's what the pros have to say: professional biker Elias Ruso in quotes
If I wasn't a freeride pro, I'd be a big wave surfer!
I rarely watch television, but when I do, it's documentaries about the Second World War and 'Terra X'. I can't resist that.
I've said goodbye to my dream of riding a Crankworx slopestyle. I'll leave that to the slopestyle elite now and concentrate on big bike freeriding.
Shaolin monks are mental high-flyers. I would love to meet one and have him train me. Imagine transferring that to the bike.
I need to start eating less dark chocolate. And I really need to stop eating dark chocolate. Dark chocolate tempts me. If I had to advertise something, it would be dark chocolate!
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The great love? I haven't found it yet. I'm still looking for it.
I would make a good criminologist. But not a good police officer, I'm too much of a rebel for that.
Going to bed unshowered after partying? Never! Just like Pizza Hawaii - never! Terrible!
Sometimes I pray, but not to a specific God. I'm not religious, but I still believe.
The idea that you could travel in time fascinates me. It probably fascinates everyone. I would love to check out the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution!
Today I don't get scared so easily, but as a little boy it was a great test of courage for me to climb down into my grandma's cellar.
Strength training is a must. It feels good to have good muscle tone. My favourite exercises are muscle ups and shoulder presses. But I'm not particularly good at either - ha ha!
Profile Elias Ruso
Name
Elias Ruso
Place of residence
Katzelsdorf, Lower Austria
Origin
Vienna, Austria
Age
25
Discipline
Freeride/Dirt Jump
Favourite knit
Motowhip
Other hobbies
Playing drums, moto and funny hairstyles
Favourite place for biking
Masters of Dirt Backyard, South of France
Intentions
Pushing my own limits to the maximum while staying healthy and having as much fun on the bike as possible
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
