- Xross Team®
Reigning Xross Challenge champion Philipp Bertl says he is ready to fight Tara again – for the win.
Austrian rider Philipp Bertl is coming back to Tara Mountain to defend his title. Last year, Bertl took the absolute victory at the biggest Hard Enduro race in Serbia – he was the best at the Prologue and the fastest guy on both race days.
He told us in an interview that the best thing about Hard Enduro is uncertainty and the fact that this sport is playing with the limits of the rider and motorbikes.
Hi Philipp, long time no see. We are really looking forward that you are coming back to Serbia again. Any impressions on returning to the Xross Challenge race to defend the title from last year?
Hello, I am very happy to come back to this nice landscape for enduro riding and I have heard that the organization of the race built some new tracks! So I am excited to see them and fight for the win.
Photo: Alex Dmitrovic
What’s up with you? How did you finish the season in 2016 and what are your plans in 2017 when it comes to Hard Enduro?
My last season was good after the Xross Challenge, I could win some other Hard Enduro and Cross Country races. For 2017 my goals after Serbia are the Verd, Erzberg, and the Romaniacs.
We found information that last year you have participated in more than 40 races, is it true?
Yes, this is true but I don’t take part in 40 races I was speaking about 40 race days.
And it looks like you have a pretty busy schedule this year, too?
Yes, I spend 4 weeks in Spain for some training and I have done races in Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, and Romania. And there will follow more races in Europe but I like it.
We never really got the chance to hear your story. Tell us something about your passion for motorbikes, we have heard that you started riding when you were just five years old?
Well after the bicycle my father gave me the chance to ride a small motorbike. That was the moment when my passion started. My first bike was a small trial 50cc and I was riding in the garden. In 2004 I started with some trial races.
Photo: Ivan Miladinovic
You switched from Trial to Hard Enduro. What Enduro riders can learn from Trial riders?
Especially the Hard enduro rider can learn a lot from the Trial riders. For example: in some cases ride not too fast and stand on the bike because when you stand you can control the bike easier.
What do you like the most about Hard Enduro?
That you don’t know what is behind the next corner. So you have to read the lines and react very fast. And I like that Hard Enduro plays with the limits of the bike and rider.
We all know that Hard Enduro requires both – physical and mental strength. How do you keep yourself in shape? Besides riding your bike do you have any other kind of training…?
Yes because without other training you are not able to ride with the top riders. Especially in the winter, I have a plan for my physical training like running, riding my bicycle, and improving my strength. But also the balance is important.
Photo: Predrag Vuckovic
How do you keep yourself motivated on the race and off the race?
Not every day is a race which means it is important for me that I ride also with my friends just for fun and enjoy the day. Also when I have some time free I meet my “not motorbike” friends.
Even though you are just a couple of years in Hard Enduro you managed to accomplish a lot. What do you consider your greatest achievements in Hard Enduro so far, and what are your goals for the future?
My biggest success was to finish the Erzberg Rodeo and the Romaniacs in the gold class. My goals for the future are to improve my skills and my speed on the bike and enjoy the time.
Do you have any messages for the fans in Serbia?
You have a very nice landscape in Serbia so use it and go riding as long as it is possible.
Photo: Alex Dmitrovic
Are you ready to defend your Xross Challenge title?
Yes, I will try my best. Thanks.
