Welcome to Marin: Timo Pritzel

Marin Mountain Bikes, is pleased to announce the addition of German mountain bike legend Timo Pritzel to the Marin Bikes roster. Pritzel, who comes to Marin with 30 plus years of professional BMX and mountain bike riding, will focus on the promotion of Marin’s legendary Attack Trail and award-winning Wolf Ridge trail bike lines, along with the all-new Alcatraz dirt jump frame.

Catch up with Timo below to find out about his change Marin.



How come a new sponsor?

I am not the guy to change sponsors often but after a quick two years with my old sponsor, it was time for a change.

So I was looking for something personal and fitting to myself of course….


Why Marin?

With Marin I saw two signs …. first, the Berliner "Bär "and the California Bear are quite a match! When I started with MTB in the 90s Marin Bikes was a big name already and I dreamed of owning one.

And I like the California image that they have; and the background of growing up in the Hippy times in San Francisco. You can really feel that the team at Marin all ride and produce products for the riders. Also, I was stoked that they just signed stylish Freerider Matt Jones and worked with him on developing a DJ frame, whilst other brands are giving up on this style of bike.

But most importantly we had a good talk, got on really well, and I love the bikes.

Will you be riding the Wolf Ridge?

Yes, the Wolf Ridge is a unique bike, and I was keen to experience the hype for myself! On my first run down the Mountain in Saalbach, I was quickly grinning with joy!

The Naild React 2 Play system really does work! I am not a big fan of being bounced around and a bit sensitive with my body after 34 years of riding and crashing… So I loved the Wolf Ridge’s 29” wheels! It flows well and amazingly this bike acts like a short travel bike when you need it and like a 160mm weapon when you need it.

Really, you have to try it. I feel like it is really something from the Future and we will hear and see a lot more about this!


What does the future look like?

So I am looking forward to continuing my bike dream that I started when I was 5 years old/Christmas 1983 with my first BMX Bike.

My other passion, yoga, is a big part of my life now and I am really happy that I can teach and spread my joy about yoga at bike festivals/camps and events.

For me, it's really important that I love what I do… because obviously, people feel it when you don't enjoy what you do. It’s not easy as an athlete to let go of competition side of the sport, but when you don’t listen to the signs along the way and keep pushing, it will end not well. So the mix of being a rider and a yoga instructor works well for me. I am no longer “Mr. Backflip” from the early 2000s.

This doesn’t mean I am just singing yoga chants now. Look at my Nine Knights pictures. I still enjoy boosting a big hip jump, but I like to make sure the young freeride athletes get some yoga instruction afterward.



Where do you ride when not traveling the world?

I live in Berlin and am thankfully close to a forest where I like to ride. It may not always be the biggest jump or most technical trail or mountain in Berlin, but just being in nature, switching the mind off and being away from the phone! Especially now with my new Wolf Ridge.

So I can’t wait for all the Marin Bikes and trails to ride! I want to be out in nature, travel and produce quality content that motivates people to ride.

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