Gerhard Kerschbaumer: chainsaw instead of mountain bike

Due to the coronavirus crisis, the UCI cycling association has suspended all events until the beginning of April. The first World Cup stage for cross-country riders would only take place from May 22nd to 24th in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, but this is still unclear - like many things in times of crisis. “We have to see when it starts again. We are in an exceptional situation. “First of all, it’s important to stay at home,” warns mountain bike professional Gerhard Kerschbaumer.

The contractor won't get bored. There are lots of things to do at home. In idyllic Verdings, the Kerschbaumer family offers farm holidays. “This area has of course been eliminated for the time being in times of the coronavirus crisis,” said the 28-year-old. However, there is of course a lot of other work to be done. “The work never stops on a farm,” says “Gery,” as he is called by friends and acquaintances.

Among other things, the mountain bike professional is currently primarily involved in woodworking for his own use. He also finds enough time to enjoy his family happiness. He married his Elisabeth in the fall and little Jakob was born in mid-December. “It’s nice to have so much time for the family,” says the young father happily. Farm work as training Farm work also serves as training. Although Kerschbaumer could train due to a special permit for athletes who are among Italy's Olympic hopes, he is currently hardly cycling. In times like these, he foregoes regular outdoor mountain bike training. “That doesn’t have to be the case at the moment. Meanwhile, farm work is training enough,” says Kerschbaumer.

He hasn't completed any races this year, but he knows: "The form is good." The big highlight of this mountain bike season would be the Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 24th to August 9th. Despite the current coronavirus crisis, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently sticking to the date. According to current status, the Cross-Country World Championships would be planned for the end of June in Albstadt (Germany) this year.

It is still uncertain when Gerhard Kerschbaumer (front) and Co. will compete in their first races this season. © on

“You have to wait and see what happens. But of course, the Olympics would be a highlight, a medal would be a dream,” said Kerschbaumer. It would be his second participation in the Olympic Games. In 2 he finished 2012th in London, but he was not there in Rio de Janeiro in 13.

He has shown in recent years that Kerschbaumer is a force to be reckoned with in major title fights. In 2018, Kerschbaumer took World Championship silver behind the top Swiss favorite Nino Schurter, and last year he was also on course for silver, but had a flat tire shortly before the finish and fell back to 5th place. No wonder that a fit Kerschbaumer is also one of the extended circle of medal contenders at the Olympics.

“Gery”, who still competes for the Torpado team, wants to attack, including at the World Cup. So far he has won one World Cup victory, in June 2018 in Andorra. He also made it onto the podium several times. “Hopefully there will be many more victories and podium places to come,” says the distributor.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Gerhard Kerschbaumer: chainsaw instead of mountain bike

Working on the local farm, enjoying family happiness: Verding mountain bike professional Gerhard Kerschbaumer is currently living a life completely outside of sport. Due to the coronavirus crisis, his season also starts late.

Suggestions

Comments (0)