During our stay at the Barcelona area, earlier in March this year, we had an opportunity to meet some of the world’s best riders including Germany’s own Lukas Knopf! This young fellow from Chemnitz was ruling the “La poma” ‘s big set like no one else with his trick combinations and when the weather stopped to like us, we had a little chat about “dirt & naranjas”…
PSBMX: How it’s goin in “La poma”?
Lukas Knopf: It’s going pretty well, I am here for the 3rd time in this season. I love riding under the Sun here, with all this trails all around the place.
How many times a year do You visit this place?
Last year I was here for just one week and it helped me a lot, so I have decide to come more often this year. Already four weeks under my belt. That’s a good preparation for the season.
What about the weather here? Is it sunny all the time like the most of the people think?
It’s strange. Whole day is pretty much sunny but the wind is overwhelming thanks to the nearby sea. You can ride early in the morning and by the evening but in most of the times, it’s too windy to even ride pumptrack! In other occasions you got Sun just in your eyes so it’s not that good if you don’t ride in your shades. But for two times a day you need some power in your back! When the day is good, I start to ride at 10 am to noon, than chill, eat, chill, check what’s up in the media and ride again! It’s easy to stay fit here.
If you are not into “partying” type of chilling, it’s definitely easy!
Haha, yeah!
When we are at this topic, any wild parties going around?
I am staying in Premia de Mar, just five kilometers away from the Barcelona itself. Last time I was here, I had a chance to attend “Nasty Mondays” which are “pretty good” if you ask me (laugh). During this trip I didn’t party much, just chilling, maybe few beers by the sea but my main focus is to ride here.
You are a good sportsman!
I try to (laugh).
Back to some riding topics, how do You feel Your ROSE bike?
Ahh, the bike fits me perfect! Frame is durable and light. Pike is as stiff as I like it to be. I love my Trickstuff due to many combinations I try to pull on the jumps. I run probably the lightest hubs on the market, straight from Tune. Front hub is like 94 grams which is lighter than a bar of chocolate and the rear one is 222 grams only! Despite their weight I never managed to ruin one in my lifetime. Overall, this whole thing matches me great!
What’s your gear ratio for the big jumps?
I like to have it a bit harder for the biggest sets so I can pick up speed pretty good on the landings with just a kick.
What are the plans for this season?
For the season I try to get as much podiums as possible and hopefully qualify for the diamond FMB series. I would love to ride in the biggest events such as Crankworx Joyride and Prime Line in Munich. I will put my heart into the silver and gold events to make that happen. I avoid saying that I have trained a lot for it cause I feel our way is more freestyle than sport but like in everything you need preparations. I’ve got a lot of riding in so I feel prepared for the upcoming season.
Yeah, You look confident during the laps here, even in the trains.
Thanks, now I need some luck to spice up my riding.
Are You planning any big projects during this year or want to land some kickass trick?
To be honest, during my last stay here I have landed a triple whip and I wanted to do it again but twisted my knee and had problems with walking for one month. Nothing bad but for instance, if I’ve kicked a ball, it felt it in my knee. It reminds me of itself after a longer rides but it should be all good in the contest season. I am looking forward for more triples soon!
As we are ending slowly, what’s the best thing about staying in the Barcelona area?
That’s a tough one! I think you can just come to “Poma” and never be alone because there are so many people here daily over the Winter. A lot of friends rolling around and some new faces to meet every stay. Tons of pros too look up too, everybody is all about riding so wild sessions are on the daily basic. It’s just great time with your friends on bikes!
Same one goes for us! This place is just plain sick! Thank You for Your time mate!
You are always welcome! Also I would like to thanks to all my supporters, especially: ROSE BIKES, UVEX, Infected, Tune, Angry Elephants, Trickstuff, Skatehalle Chemnitz, GaffGaff! Thanks for believing in me! Cheers!
