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World Cup Section Leader Rolf Enderlin: "I don´t know any other better place than Rammersweier"

Rolf Enderlin from MTB Südbaden e.V. is Sections Leader at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup on 22./23. May 2010 in Offenburg. The 46-year old enthusiastic mountain biker ensures that during the race the desired route is not disturbed, that no spectators are running onto the track and the safety of all parties is guaranteed.


1) Rolf, you have had the roll as section leader since the premiere four years ago at the World Cup in Offenburg. What is your personal highlight, looking back on past events?

In principle, every year was a highlight in itself. But surely, the first year was the most exciting year for us. Of course we did not even know what was coming our way, we were all very tense and we did not want to make any mistakes. We were, after all clear that this is professional racing and it's not a hobby event. In the end we were very proud that everything went smoothly.

2) Your job is purely volunteer work. What drives you year after year to continue helping at the World Cup in Offenburg? Is it the passion for mountain biking? 

In the first place surely the mountain bike sport itself, after all we are all enthusiastic MTB club fans. But especially the proximity to the organizer has convinced us that we can and want to assist in the right place. Unfortunately, many professional events have a reputation that volunteers are simply used and in the end do not even receive a thank you. In Offenburg it is quite different. Jorg and Anna appreciate all the support. You can feel it and it is very rewarding. The support works both ways, their are many opportunities other than the World Cup where we can help each other. This is how it should work in a partnership. Apart from that, we find it incredible what Jörg and Anna have created in Offenburg and also alongside competiting themselves at a high level sport. Here is real time management required. Since I am an entrepreneur myself, I know from what I speak.  

3) Among the athletes Offenburg is considered the best World Cup in the Racing Calendar. Furthermore the world cycling federation UCI has voted Offenburg two years running as the best mountain bike event of the year. What makes this event so unique in your pinion?

Just typical German I would say. Everything is planed and organised down to the smallest detail. For this we Germans, after all, are known all over the world. And then of course the super race track. Every meter belongs to a professional race. Since I have also riden the course numerous times I can speak for myself. The drops are positioned absolutely perfectly making the professional riders job difficult. And ultimately, everything takes place from such a small area. This is for the spectators, of course, very practical. So far I don´t know of such an awesome place like in Rammersweier. This is hardly to be topped.

4) The fans of course want to be close to the stars of the scene. However, as section leader for the marschals you need to look after the safety of all parties involved. Has there been any serious accidents or problems in the past?

One should say that viewers are quite reasonable, and have respect before entering the course. And as long as section chief and marshal are left with a confident impression, and have everything under control it will remain so. There are of course situations where we need to be louder, especially the photographers are sometimes unintelligible. For us is the safety of the riders important. As far as I know there was only one narrow situation at Dual Speed where a small child was pulled off the track as the riders came fast down the section. It was really very tight. However there has not been any serious accidents.

 

5) The German fans hope for the first World Cup victory in the elite men's race since 1993. Manuel Fumic and Wolfram Kurschat have proved strong in the first world cups and have a chance for a win on home soil. How do you assess the prospects for the Germans?

This is certainly very difficult. Firstly, the Swiss are currently extremely strong and constant, and Julien Absalon has always ridden his best races in Offenburg. He was previously the only one who hovers almost effortly over the track. You could see the strain in the faces of all other riders. For me personally, a phenomenon, amazing to experience live.
But who knows when everything runs well we might even have a surprise from the German camp. Personally I would be happy with a top placement from Moritz Milatz, who lives not far away from me.


6) You have been following the World Cup series for many years. As an expert what is your tip for Sunday?

As already mentioned, if everything goes to plan, I believe in another victory by Julien Absalon. Otherwise, I see the Swiss in front. Above all, Nino Schurter and Ralph Naef. In the ladies for me Lisi Osl is the favorite. I think this is a track for Lisi. A course for light riders, who can ride technically strong. It will definately be an exciting race.