Following his injury at the end of last season, trialbiker Thomas Öhler is working feverishly on his comeback. In an interview the 25-year-old Austrian sports student talks about show performances, a blue house – and his life as reigning BIU World Champion.
‘One step backwards, but then you’ve got a better run-up’ was your motto after your fracture of your fibula in December. How’s the road to your comeback coming along?
Actually, it’s going pretty well. I can now bike without any limitations. But it’s still going to take a while until I can start competing again.
Why?
At the moment I have to limit myself to artificial obstacles in training; natural ones are too much of a risk at the moment. As soon as any unevenness comes up I feel a pain in my foot, which means I can’t ride for about two or three days. Contests won’t come into question until I’m 100 percent prepared again.
What does a day in the life of Thomas Öhler look at the moment, when you’re not at uni?
[Laughs] … Or if I’m not on the way to one of my shows. My performances take up quite a bit of my time – mainly the traveling. Otherwise, I’m on my bike about two-to-three hours a day; additionally I’m training stamina and strength. For relaxation I like to go mountain biking from time to time.
Recently you looked at a special house in Klagenfurt: the ‘blue house’ – painted blue inside and out. It was your playground for a whole day. A nice diversion from the daily training?
Yes, absolutely! We used the space for a great photo shoot. And even if the photos don’t show it, it was really exhausting!
In what way?
Well, for example, the low ceilings were a real challenge. More than once I felt that I was going to hit my head on the ceiling.
In Japan last year in August you were crowned BIU Bike Trial World Champion. Has your life changed in any way because of it?
[Laughs] No, not at all … My shows are a bit easier to sell these days - because having a BIU World Championship title is not too bad for your image.
Thomas Öhler
Thomas Öhler
Thomas Öhler
