Video & Results: Champions Crowned & Boundaries Pushed - Audi Nines MTB 2018

Moon mission accomplished: The Audi Nines MTB 2018 has concluded in spectacular fashion in Birkenfeld, Germany, where for the past week a repurposed stone quarry has hosted a crew of the world’s best mountain bikers on a mission to “Send it to the Moon.” To match its exciting change of location, the event also debuted a new video-based contest format that gave competitors one week to capture their best tricks and lines on film.


After six days of film shoots and sessions in the moonlike landscape of the quarry, the riders gathered on the evening of Thursday, September 14 to celebrate their successful “moon launch” and decide who would be crowned the champions of the event. British mountain bike legend Sam Pilgrim was selected by his peers for the top honor of “Ruler of the Week,” and also won the category of “Best Slopestyle Line.”


However, the events of the past week have made clear that the quarry, after extensive modifications by an experienced team of trail builders, was indeed a perfect venue for a world-class mountain bike event with a unique take on its presentation of the sport.

“The location worried us at first,” said Reynolds. “We weren’t sure if it would live up to the previous location in the Alps with the epic views. But once the “moon props” came in, like the satellite dish and all the cool ramps, the venue actually had a lot more character than ever before.”

“It’s the most unique location I’ve ever ridden a bike in,” he added. “It looks like a video game.”


Sam Reynolds (GBR), Head Course Builder, “Best Freeride Line” Winner
“We really wanted to bring Audi Nines to the forefront of what is relevant in freeride. The tricks that went down and everyone’s riding throughout the week really proved that this course was progressive.”

“We wanted to make the course more accessible, fun and trickable, rather than just making ridiculously big jumps. We wanted people who don’t always ride big bikes to be able to ride the freeride line as well and have a good time. We had freeride guys hitting the slope line and doing flips, and slope guys riding the big bike line.”

“I had an awesome week. The weather was insanely good, with no wind or rain for the whole week. We almost rode too much—we just couldn’t stop. Everyone’s totally exhausted. It was 100-percent one of the best weeks of my life.”

“It means so much more that all the boys voted for me to be the winner, rather than just a judging panel. It feels really special.”


Nicholi Rogatkin (USA)
“Audi Nines is one of the best sessions of the year. It’s always a great course—they pride themselves on having unique features and crazy jumps. The vibe is amazing as well, with riders from many different backgrounds coming together. It’s a unique vibe with a lot of good energy.”


Adolf Silva (ESP), “Best Freeride Trick” Winner
“Doing the trick feels super good, because I’ve tried it a lot of times and this was the first time I finally got it.”

“You have to do a 360 with your body and keep the bike straight. You have to come up, make sure the feet go over the wheel, and then catch the bars right. It’s a lot of stuff to think about.”

“Audi Nines gets better and better every year. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year.”


Results:






Photo credit: Florian Breitenberger, Klaus Polzer & Syo van Vliet

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