RED BULL SLOVENSKO

Over the last years, MTB Freeride has experienced its particular “Big Bang”. The dimensions of the jumps and the possibility of alternating tricks with incredible downhill descents has soon left many other two-wheel freestyle disciplines behind. And among the constellation of new riders who have surfaced in the math of this explosion, there is a supernova who shines brighter than the rest: Andreu Lacondeguy.

The younger of the Lacondeguy brothers (Llinás del Vallés, Barcelona. 12-1-1989) blasted his way through 2006. Along with his brother Lluis, both became professional riders and the results were soon to be seen: 1st place at the Marzocchi Airdrome, 2nd at the Red Bull District Ride (Catania and Nüremberg), the Austrian King of Dirt, the Red Bull Trailfox, the Braun 26TRIX... And appearances on the best videos such as the “New World Disorder VII Flying High Again” video.

Andreu is outrageously young, though definitely not new to this scene. He began riding in his hometown at the age of seven, and soon started to compete. “We started out with the BMX Race, which I think is the best starting point because you learn to pedal and jump at the same time”. By the age of 12 he was already doing downhill, but they soon started dirt jumping too, in his words because “We liked to work out our tricks, and on the other hand, we had more independence because with downhill racing we always had to depend on our parents”. This is what happens when you need someone to drive you up to the top of the hill.

Destiny: California

But this astounding development would never have been possible without leaving home. “First we started going to France, and now we have just been to the USA. We didn’t want the jumps to end up being too small for us, so we travelled to California for a few months, where all the BMX pros and the world’s best trails are”. There they ride on a daily basis with Corey Nastasio and other international stars, with everlasting camp sessions that include both training discipline and the good vibe of a group of friends. “We all know each other and the atmosphere is great. What’s more, we meet at all the competitions, so if someone comes up with a good trick, you feel happy for them even if they get in ahead of you”. The experience has been so satisfying that Andreu and Lluis have rented a house in Riverside (California) with English rider Lance McDermott, and spend most of the year there.

Having finished his secondary school studies, Andreu is now concentrated on his career as a rider. Competitions and continuous long journeys, “despite the fact that I hate airplanes”. So many victories, new sponsors and the hype have increased the pressure on this Catalonian. “I don’t think about it. When I get up on my bike I only think about my next trick. When the round is over, I look up, and that is when I become conscious of what’s around me”, he says.

We imagine that when he at last looks up, he realises that he is always standing on a podium... like at the Nissan Quasquai Challenge in Milan, where he gave an astounding show. Or maybe one of the most amazing moments of the year in the MTB scene: managing to be the third rider in history to successfully complete a double backflip while competing, obtaining the Best Trick award at the Braun 26Trick in Leogang, Austria. Let’s see who can beat that...

This could be part of Andreu’s talent. Though his success lies in the fact that he always gives everything he’s got. “I can’t stay calm while riding. I always take risks, so if there are three rounds, I’ll fall in two of them and get it perfect in the last one. I always try to stretch myself to the limit”.