Valentina Höll: Home race in Leogang - pressure? I have proven enough!

Valentina Höll: Home race in Leogang - pressure? I have proven enough!

Valentina Höll, a talented mountain biker from Salzburg, is about to make her big appearance at the World Cup home race in Leogang. The date, which takes place from June 5th to 8th, promises exciting competitions, as Höll looks back with confidence on her victory from last year and wants to repeat it again. Despite a difficult start to the season, the 23-year-old is optimistic and combative, having learned to draw positives from less successful races. “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore,” she emphasizes, reflecting on her past successes.

Höll started mountain biking in her childhood when she completed her first race without training wheels at the age of three. Her career quickly took off: at just 16 years old, she won all seven races in her first season in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and became junior downhill world champion. In 2021 she secured the overall World Cup ranking among adults for the first time and became elite world champion in Les Gets in 2022. Her outstanding performance ultimately led her to the award as Austrian Cyclist of the Year and culminated in her most successful year in 2023 with four victories this season and winning the Downhill World Championships again. Forbes reports about her impressive balance sheet.

Support and routine as the key to success

Höll sees the routine and support of her team, YT Industries, as an important basis for future success. When asked how she is dealing with the current pressure, she says that she is now happy with second places, which was not the case before. She feels no added pressure as she has already won three world titles and is focused on developing as an athlete. Höll also praises the positive development of sport in Austria, where the successes of junior women are particularly notable.

Despite her achievements, Höll has difficulty setting new goals because she has already achieved many successes. Her contract with YT Industries runs for three more years, after which her future in cycling remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Höll is determined to remain active as a downhill racer and to tackle this challenge with dedication.

The importance of the home race

The upcoming home race in Leogang is of particular importance for Höll. It continues to attract more spectators and gives her the opportunity to once again challenge her competitors in front of her home crowd. The atmosphere of this event seems to provide additional motivation and Valentina Höll hopes to build on the successes of previous years. There is great anticipation for the upcoming races and fans are eagerly awaiting how the talented mountain biker performs in her home country. Salzburg24 reports about the upcoming competition and Höll's ambitions.