Johann Potgieter, Revised

I caught up with South Africa downhill racer Johann Potgieter before the start of his 2014 international race season. We met at the Contermanskloof Revised track and talked a bit about 2013 and the racing coming up.


What's your thoughts about your 2013 racing season and what are some of the highlights?

My 2013 season was full of mixed feelings. I had some good races, and then some bad ones. Like for example, I had the fastest qualifying at the IXS Euro Cup in Spicak, but then crashed in my race run. Half way through my season I broke the scaphoid in my wrist, forcing me to come back home to recover. But my highlight was definitely getting a top 30 position at the World Champs in PMB. That was really awesome for me because it was my first race back after my injury, and off course a home World Champs.



You're taking on the season as a privateer for 2014 after 2 years of factory racing, tell us how you're doing this and why.

For 2014 I will be doing my own thing, just to give me more freedom as to what components and gear I can use and also what races I can do. I know a lot of people in the downhill racing scene and have some really good friends who I will travel and pit with. The sponsors (GT, Seattle coffee co, Skullcandy, Von Zipper, Shotmaster, Bell, ION clothing, Gopro, Redbull) I have at this stage are awesome, and I really wouldn't have been able to do all this without them.



How have you been training during the off season, specially with PMB in mind.

I have been doing some pedaling haha! With PBM in mind... its quite crazy because you have to peak early, and then peak later on in the season again. So I have been doing a lot of intervals and some body exercises. I feel really fit at this stage, but there's still a lot of work to be done.


As a privateer, what else do you do to keep the funds coming in?

I do skill clinics for mountain bikers. Mostly downhillers, but a lot of XC riders also. These training camps are always good fun for me because I connect a lot with the riders and form good friendships. Its also some good income, and that keeps me going.


What is your game plan for 2014? Any new/specific events you have your sites set on?

My main focus for this year would be the European cup series. There are some really good tracks in the competition this year, which I'm really exited about. I will be doing a few German races and of course the European World Cups. I just want to take my riding to the next level and reach my goals. So this year I want to go fast. Consistently.

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