While the name Wibmer may well be associated with action-packed YouTube videos, there is another Wibmer who plans to make a name for himself in the world of mountain biking. Gabriel Wibmer, cousin of YouTube phenom Fabio Wibmer, is chasing a professional racing career and will take a step closer to the Downhill Elite this year. Admittedly, he still has a long way to go but the youngster has the skills and the drive to make it happen. Together with the help of the sports marketing agency rasoulution that also manages Fabio Wibmer, Danny MacAskill and many other international world-class mountain bike athletes, he will be sending it at the iXS European Downhill Cup and Junior UCI Downhill World Cup.
Like his big cousin, Gabriel also hails from Kals am Großglockner, Austria, and going fast was his thing from an early age. At the age of five, he started out racing Motocross, but limited training possibilities forced him to switch to moto and bike trials, to which he had easier access. Along with the progression of his trials skills, Gabriel also started to develop a social media following of his own. His short edits now reach nearly 50,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 90,000 followers on Instagram.
His passion for speed and adrenaline never receded and he has started to make a name for himself on the downhill trails of central Europe.
When I was about twelve, just riding trials wasn’t really enough anymore. I was on the way to a local theme park with my parents and we were driving through Leogang when an iXS European Downhill Cup event was being held. When I saw the athletes fearlessly riding through rock gardens and over roots at what, to me, felt like lightning speed. I was instantly hooked. Now, I can’t imagine life without the adrenaline rush and airtime.
– Gabriel Wibmer
It is only three and a half years ago that the young Austrian started to pursue Downhill more seriously. His favorite track is in Leogang, but he seems to feel more than comfortable hurtling down every other track in Austria. Two years ago he raised first eyebrows by winning the U15 category during the iXS International Rookies Championships and crowning himself as an unofficial World Champ in that age group. Last year, he solidified his strong development as a racer by winning the U17 Austrian Nationals, riding times that were faster than the top riders in the age group above him, the U19s. Consistent progress throughout the season saw him also score an impressive third place in Spicak, Czech Republic, during the iXS European Downhill Cup.
I am really looking forward to all the events this year. I think it will definitely be special to be racing the Junior World Cup in Leogang, where everything started for me.
– Gabriel Wibmer
This year, the 16-year-old wants to take the next step. Racing the same tracks as his idols such as Loic Bruni is going to be a stepping stone on the way forward. Apart from competing at the Junior UCI Downhill World Cup, Gabriel will be focusing on the U19 iXS European Downhill Cup.
Gabriel is a really talented rider and is capable of riding times that two-year-older riders have trouble to match. He already understands that if you want to become a professional it isn’t only about riding bikes. He regularly produces content for his partners and fans and already has a strong following on social. We want to support him in his development and make sure he can concentrate on school and racing. It is really important for him to get the chance to gain as much race experience as possible this year and we will be working with his partners to make that possible. It is essential that all his ambition doesn’t cloud having fun on the bike. We are stoked that we will be working with him for many years and help him develop into the best rider he can be.
– Tarek Rasouli, Rasoulution owner
Follow Gabriel Wibmer on:
- Facebook: facebook.com/Gabriel-Wibmer
- Instagram: instagram.com/wibmergabriel
- YouTube: youtube.com/channel/Gabriel_Wibmer