Photo Credit: redbull.com

In the world of mountain biking, where pushing boundaries and chasing adrenaline thrills are the norm, Markus ‘Max’ Stöckl has carved out a legendary reputation for himself. Hailing from the picturesque town of Oberndorf in Tirol, Austria, Stöckl is a renowned racing cyclist who has made a name for himself through his daring feats on two wheels. From shattering speed records on snow-covered slopes to conquering treacherous gravel terrains, his accomplishments have captivated the cycling world.

Legendary Cyclist Emerges

Born in 1974, Stöckl’s journey in biking began in 1992 when he first saddled up and discovered his passion for the sport. However, it was in 1999 that he made his mark, setting a world speed record in the series bike class by descending at a staggering 187 km/h at Les Arcs. This achievement propelled him onto a path of audacious endeavors and record-breaking pursuits.

One of Stöckl’s most awe-inspiring feats occurred on September 14, 2007, when he tackled the challenging ski slope of La Parva in Chile. At the age of 33, he fearlessly descended the 1.6-kilometer slope, which boasted a daunting 45-degree decline. Riding his Intense M6 mountain bike, Stöckl achieved an astonishing speed of 210.4 km/h, surpassing his own previous record by a remarkable 23 km/h.

Equipped with Shimano components, including a Saint crankset and rear derailleur, as well as the new Deore XT disc brakes with 203mm rotors, provided Stöckl with the necessary control and braking power for a safe descent. Stöckl’s determination was unwavering, even when faced with challenges such as narrow strips of snow due to melted springtime weather. In fact, to combat his helmet fogging up during practice runs, he even held his breath during the 40-second record attempt.

Redefining Mountain Biking Records

Stöckl’s pursuit of speed has taken him beyond snow-covered slopes. In 2011, he shattered the world speed record for descending on gravel, reaching an impressive 164.95 km/h on the Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua. This record-breaking achievement surpassed the previous record of 163 km/h set by Eric Barone in 2002.

Undeterred by past accomplishments, Stöckl remains focused on pushing the boundaries even further. His sights are set on breaking the speed records for prototype bicycles, which currently stand at 222 km/h on snow and 172 km/h on gravel, both held by Eric Barone.

In addition to his high-speed mountain biking pursuits, Stöckl is the driving force behind the internationally renowned mountain bike race team, “MS-RACING.” Founded in 2003 alongside Lukas Haider, the team has garnered a reputation for excellence and has become a prominent player in the world of competitive mountain biking.

Markus ‘Max’ Stöckl epitomizes the spirit of adventure and fearlessness that defines the world of mountain biking. His relentless pursuit of speed and his unwavering determination to push the limits have made him a true icon in the sport. As he continues to inspire fellow riders and capture the imagination of fans worldwide, Stöckl’s legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of high-speed mountain biking is firmly established.

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