Wittmann Hosts New Freeride Event

Giant freerider Andi Wittmann will play host to a new mountain bike event in Austria this summer called the Suzuki Nine Knights MTB Event. Drawing inspiration from the Nine Knights freeski event, the Giant-sponsored contest will feature mountain biking’s top freeriders in a unique contest held this August at a centuries-old village in Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park.

Wittmann will compete with some of the world’s top riders including his Giant teammate Kurt Sorge of Canada, Yannick Granieri (France), Paul Basagoitia (USA), Martin Söderström (Sweden), Niki Leitner (Austria), Timo Pritzl (Germany) and Derren Berrecloth and Geoff Gulevich (Canada). The venue includes specially built trails and a castle with a variety of jumps.

“I wanted to create something special, an event that’s produced by pro riders and freeride enthusiasts,” Wittmann said. “Mixing the ideas and experiences I have gained over the years led us to this concept.”

The main event will take place August 27. The winner-take-all “Joust Tournament” is a freeride jump competition featuring a 6-meter drop tower and a 12-meter jump that will allow the world’s best freeriders every opportunity to showcase their talents.

For more information, go to nineknights.com