Video: Valentina Hoell - The Next Downhill Superstar

In September we met Valentina Hoell, a 13-year-old downhill racer in her hometown Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria. She lives in mountain biker’s paradise: endless trails, downhill tracks, high mountains and deep forests, a place where you can count falling stars and hear the sound of cowbells. Valentina lives with her family in the famous "Spielberghaus", a rustic lodge in the Austrian mountains. Nothing around there but nature.

Vali is an exceptional talent in downhill racing. When she was three years old, she got her first bike without training wheels. She even 'competed' at the Scott Junior Trophy and made her first experiences in racing. Now she is rushing trails and downhill tracks faster than any of the kids at her age. At this year’s iXS Rookies Cup she had best times (amongst the boys), was even faster than all women and beat the locals in the Crankworx B-Line Kids Race in Canada. This girl has got talent and also the attention of bike manufacturer YT Industries! They closed a six years sponsorship deal at the beginning of this year. But it is not a classic sponsorship – Vali has more rights than duties - no musts, only cans.


In Saalbach, Valentina has the perfect conditions to live her dream. With the local guys she shreds through the forests, the girls at her age are not as fast as she is. Her father can’t teach her anything new, therefore they decided to work with a professional trainer: "My father always gives me advice, but I rather trust the pros", Vali admits and grins. Valentina knows a lot of them: Cam Zink, Tibor Simai, Antje Kramer, Angie Hohenwarter. They all believe in Valentina and her potential. So how will she continue? Valentina dreams of a career as a downhill pro and wants to compete in the World Cup. She gets every support from her family, friends and sponsors, it does not matter what it is – 800 km shuttling to the next race or a big hug if the results are not as good as expected. Racing consists of good and bad times – that is something she still has to learn. More races, more competitors!

YT announced Vali’s entry in the team with a press release titled: 'YT gets the Downhill World Champion 2022' Quite a strong statement, even Valentina was surprised but also happy. But as you all may know: It is quite difficult to predict the future of 13 years old girls!

Read the full story (in German)

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Mentions: @YTIndustries

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