Introducing the Propain Proteam: A team beyond racing
Seven years ago the main motivation to found Propain Bikes was the passion for adrenaline and the love of racing, and most importantly, the simple joy of riding a bike. This philosophy is reflected in Propain’s Proteam, founded in 2015, and which features Timo Pritzel. This team is one that extends beyond racing, is not limited to a single discipline, and is without any pressure on its riders. The main goal is to have fun on the bike. With that in mind, the team members support each other and push each other to improve their skills.
On their hunt for some young talented riders, Propain and Timo Pritzel published a video in February to announce openings on their Proteam. It didn´t matter which discipline, each rider could apply for one of the spots. The number of applications nearly crashed Propain´s inbox and it proved to be a real challenge for Timo and Propain to narrow its selection from so many amazing riders.
Philip Walder, a talented Enduro pilot from Italy, was the first Proteam member. Then, the reigning fourcross world champion Aiko Göhler knocked on Propain´s door. This decision for the second spot on the team was an easy one. To complete the team the last spot should have been a dirtjump or slopestyle pilot. As Propain received so many applications from amazingly talented riders this decision was the hardest for Propain and in the end they couldn´t decide between two young talents and simply chose both of them. So starting in 2016 the two dirtjump talents Patrick Schweika and Lukas Schäfer complete the Proteam which is supported by Propain and Schwalbe.
The Proteam is meant to support their riders through a great combination of different characters, a friendly team culture and joint goals which help the riders reach new levels. Of equal importance are the professional goals and the need to have fun, the need to represent the team, and to be a positive example for the next generation of bikers. To reach these goals the riders get all the support and advice they need from Timo, whether it is about nutrition or yoga and dealing with injuries and mental stress. He also gladly shares his experience as a professional and his ideas about self-marketing.
Aiko Göhler, Patrick Schweika, Lukas Schäfer and team manager Timo Pritzel
Timo Pritzel Freeride-Legende and team manager
Fearlessly, Timo attacks the giant dirtjump line, goes crazy on massive jumps, clears a backflip on the biggest kicker – the legendary movie parts in the“New World Disorder”. Freeride movies represent the international breakthrough for the now 38 year-old rider from Berlin. Before he began his career on 26” wheels, Timo had some amazing results within the BMX world. He got his first BMX at the age of 6, and ever since then he has been addicted to the sport. With passion and hard work Timo won a pro rider BMX contract in 1994, which was followed by 6 German championship titles and the world championship title in 1998 in the BMX dirt discipline. As a true artist on his bike, Timo also has influenced the mountain bike world. As a team manager he shares his profound experience in life and competition with his riders.
“The Proteam riders should support and motivate each other. But equally important is to enjoy the ride out in nature. Our riders are to simply enjoy a good time with friends on their bikes. The sport has allowed me to meet so many great people and see many beautiful places.”
Aiko Göhler Reigning fourcross world champ and allround rider
Born 1990
Hometown Berlin
Best result Fourcross world champion 2015 in Val di Sole, Italy
Favorite spot Strawberrytrails-Berlin
Sponsors Propain Bikes, Schwalbe, TSG, Tune, Adidas Eyewear, Magura, SQ-Labs, Slow-watches, BPP Bike Perfection Parts, FiveTen
„From Monday to Thursday I work with physically and mentally disabled children and work in my job as a physical therapist. My job is great and I truly enjoy working with the kids. During the season the long weekends are pretty busy with training or racing.”
Goals for 2016?
“My primary goal is to defend my world champ title in Val di Sole. Besides fourcross, I will race a couple of Downhill and Enduro events. I want to improve my skills on both disciplines as my next goal is to compete at a Downhill World Cup race in 2017/18. I am confident that the Proteam will help me a lot towards reaching this goal.”
Patrick Schweika Dirtjumper und Freerider
Born 1990
Hometown Schwalmstadt
Greatest success …that I can do what I love the most
Favorite spot Dirt World Witten
Sponsors Propain Bikes, Rockstar Energy, Halo Wheels, Maloja, Uvex, Aee Cams, Bawbags, Sram, Rock Shox, Maxxis
„For one year now I have been privileged to turn a hobby into my profession. Since I started with biking at the age of 14 this has always been my biggest dream. I love the sport. It doesn´t matter whether I train new moves on my hardtail, ride my Enduro or pin it with the Downhill bike. I enjoy every contest, every show, and every ride the same. The feeling when you get home after a long day on your bike…it just doesn’t get any better. I am stoked to be part of the Propain Proteam where my teammates love the sport just the same way I do, no matter which discipline, whether it is in the Alpes or in Berlin, we simply enjoy riding our bikes.”
Lukas Schäfer Dirtjump Rookie
Born 1995
Hometown Limburg
Greatest success 3rd Place Vollgas Jam 2015 / 2nd Place Jump it Contest 2015
Favorite spot Cloud 9
Sponsors Propain Bikes, TSG, Schwalbe
„Since I can remember I have been riding a bike and I seriously can´t imagine doing anything better in the future. My first success, reaching the podium at Vollgas Jam in Zwingenberg, motivates me even more and I am so stoked to be part of the Proteam and to work with Propain.”Goals for 2016? “Get more podium results, compete at international events, have fun on my bike!”
Philip Walder Enduro Racer
Born 1991
Hometown Latsch / Vinschgau, Italien
Best result 1st Place Trail Trophy in Latsch 2015 and 2016 / 10th Place European Enduro Series Sölden
Favorite spot … my hometrails in Vinschgau
Sponsors Propain Bikes, Schwalbe, Qloom, Magura, Amplifi, Uvex, Lupine, Crankbrothers
Philip Walder lives and breathes mountainbiking. He grew up in Laces, one of Europe´s hotspots when it comes to Enduro riding. “I work as a bike guide and trail builder in Laces. On average, I spend 12 weekends racing all over Europe.” Without a doubt, the 25 year-old rider loves his sport and he loves to share this passion with other riders. He knows every trail around Laces and due to the great variety of different terrain at his home valley he has the perfect training spot right in his front yard. Results? His back-to-back win at the Elite class of the Trail Trophy in Laces in 2015 and 2016 or his strong 10th place finish at the European Enduro Series (EES) in Soelden in 2015 are just some examples. He is all about smiles, but don´t let him fool you, he also is a serious and disciplined athlete with a strict training plan.
Goals for 2016?
I want to compete consistently in the top rankings of national and international Enduro events. The uncomplicated support Propain provides greatly helps when it comes to focusing on my goals!”
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Words: PROPAIN Photos: Christoph Bayer, Nathan Hughes, Lichtbildstelle, Tom Bause, Victor Strasse, Rick Schubert, SES
