Video: A Day With the Denim Destroyer Johannes Von Klebelsberg

Aug 19, 2019
by COMMENCAL BIKES & SKIS  

Racing a DH World Cup season without a team, without sponsors and alongside a job, Joannes Von Klebelsberg knows that anything is possible! Now better known as the "Denim Destroyer", we followed him to Lenzerheide to find out who he is, how he got there and what’s so special about those jeans...


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Videos DH Racing World Cup DH Johannes Von Klebelsberg Lenzerheide World Cup Dh 2019


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63 Comments
  • 173 0
 The first fellow I've seen with proper footwear for a trackwalk
  • 114 0
 A man with common sense. The more I see and know about this dude, the more I dig his vibe. I wish him nothing but success and hope he doesn't change even with sponsors.
  • 43 0
 Those Hanwag boots rule! This dude is such a breath of fresh air in the mtb world. He's proven to everyone now that he isn't just a gimmick or something. So much style on the bike too.
  • 6 0
 Amen
  • 7 0
 Hes just the only one without a shoe sponsor that makes them wear their shoes even when walking the track
  • 72 0
 Track walk in sweatpants... race in jeans. Respect the neglect!
  • 13 1
 I am sure the sponsors are lining up for next season with include Levi, Wrangler, Lee, Diesel, Calvin Klein, True Religion, Armani, Lucky, DKNY, Guess, Vesace, and of course Apple (Phone division). LOL
  • 49 0
 I don't usually fall for marketing hype, but damn this guy makes me want to buy a pair of jeans to ride in.
  • 47 1
 Get this man a jeans sponsor!!
  • 2 0
 @ibishreddin: the best proposal I've read Smile
  • 7 1
 @ibishreddin: LEVIS are you reading this ?????
  • 2 0
 @ATV25: they actually do a "biking" model...for commuters and fixie's riders..
  • 1 0
 @oskimtb: I did not know that. Even more of a reason to hook the brother up !!!
  • 1 0
 @ATV25: That's not gonna happen, but there is another type, which are just right. They're quite scarce here, but much easier to get hold of where you are.
  • 26 1
 Now that brings back memories from years ago of getting off work or school and riding with your buddies in jeans/t shirt with possibly a jersey all while wearing your armor OVER your clothes because it was faster and you just wanted to ride.
  • 17 0
 I used mine OVER the jeans because I grew up on skateparks and it would slide much better - also, Master Dave Mirra was doing it too, so it was the law...
  • 1 0
 @Luis-Sc: RIP Dave
  • 28 0
 So casual at being fast enough to race world cup downhills. So rad.
  • 19 0
 Not just in jeans but it looks like with his phone in the right front pocket!
  • 50 2
 Thats not a phone son
  • 4 1
 @Dexta: aahahahahahahha!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Suspect@Dexta:
  • 16 0
 The People's Champ!
  • 16 2
 So no sponsors but Commencal make the video? Sure he gets a frame at least
  • 5 0
 i hope he gets a lot more than that for a testimonial of this quality! that ohlins supreme he runs looks incredible too
  • 6 0
 At the start of the year he brought this frame.
  • 2 0
 He said in a Wyn TV that a shop gives him the frames.
  • 5 0
 Exactly what I was thinking, a big brand capitalizing on his recent popularity. He 100% should have gotten paid for Commencal to use his name or at least some kick back support at races.
  • 1 0
 Being a privateer does not mean you have no sponsors, it means you aren't part of a team.
  • 12 0
 Jeansus...the muddy messiah is the best story of 2019
  • 1 0
 underrated comment
  • 7 1
 I was able to get a photo with him at the top of the lift there at Lenzerheide, chill dude puts off a great vibe! Riding in jeans was a clever play as a privater, its given him instant notoriety. Best of luck to him!
  • 13 1
 His results help too!
  • 5 0
 Something about this story, and about the man himself brings back the excitement and the joy that DH is all about. The great thing is that no matter how many sponsors he picks up, we'll always remember where he started: buying his own equipment, and racing in Jeans. Some people have to win a dozen world cups to become legends.... JVK doesn't need to win at all!
  • 1 1
 You do know he used to be part of a factory team?

I love the guy, but he isn't a gem in the rough who picked up a bike and overnight became a top WC rider.

Seriously, this Cinderella story is being blown out of proportions.
  • 5 0
 2020 UCI Rule Book amendment, Sec. 4, 52. (e).
Jeans wearing standards, not above 42", or the pocket overstitch to be less than hem length.
EU Alteration and Garment, Alignment and Standards, 2017.
  • 7 0
 I hope whoever signs him doesn't stop him wearing jeans
  • 1 0
 I would say its a pretty good bet that Commencal will offer him a spot on one of their teams.
  • 6 0
 What a Ledgend! Getting it done!
  • 9 5
 V OBVI SOME ASTROTURFING FAKE BACKSTORY THE RESTAURANT IS AN OLD EASTGERMAN TRAINING DUNGEON AND HES BANKROLLED BY CHINESE H&M
  • 1 0
 Sources? ????
  • 2 1
 @jpcars10s: 9CHAN
  • 3 0
 So, was the bike refunded? Is he gonna be part of Commençal? Will Fox start selling DH jeans?
So many questions... but so good to see new faces this year!!!
  • 2 2
 I got a pair of hand-me-down O.R. pants a while back and that's all I really like to ride in now. They're special to me and I think they have magic powers. If more people just "run what you brung" there would be way less waste in this place. That said, still accepting hand-me-downs if anybody has a pair of TLD DH pants in size 32! Cheers!
  • 3 0
 Max.. you know what you need to do
  • 1 0
 The Commencal/Ohlins combo is damn good looking. The same frame Pierron uses and the same suspension Bruni uses. What a genius.
  • 1 0
 fantastic video guys, thanks for giving old mate the props he deserves. Best of luck for the future JVB - I'll be watching!
  • 2 0
 Denim Destroyer, frayin' and playin'. Best of luck mate.
  • 3 0
 Legend
  • 2 0
 This guy is the best. I really hope sponsor support doesnt spoil him!
  • 2 0
 You gotta swipe right on this guy, Commencal!
  • 3 0
 I am a new fan
  • 2 0
 Now I know why your Italian and german...
  • 2 0
 Actually Fabien Barel used to wear jeans on his NWD segments.
  • 2 0
 Way to go Johannes! I'd love to try your restaurant some day!
  • 2 0
 Hope he makes World Champs
  • 2 0
 Maybe commencal makes him a custom painted denim worlds bike
  • 1 0
 Great pics! Hopefully next year some more sponsorship!
  • 1 0
 Einfach Klasse! Mach weiter so!
  • 1 0
 dude is fast, thats all...
  • 1 0
 Stoked for him!
  • 1 0
 Nice umbrella too!! Smile
  • 1 1
 Skinny jeans tutta la vita!







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