Don’t have time to read? Listen to the Podcast about Fabio Wibmer and The Streif here.
The Streif is no ordinary downhill course; it is a beast of a track, one of the most challenging in the world of alpine skiing. Situated on Mount Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, Austria, the Streif has been the ultimate test of skill, speed, and endurance since its first race in 1937. Known for its steep slopes, treacherous turns, and jaw-dropping jumps, the course has become legendary in the skiing world. The record for the fastest completion has not been broken since Fritz Stobl set it in 1997.
However, Austrian mountain bike and YouTube sensation Fabio Wibmer saw this infamous racecourse as more than just a skier’s dream—it was the perfect challenge for his bike. What started as a distant vision turned into a two-year project, pushing Wibmer and his team to their limits to make it a reality.
The Dream Becomes Reality
Wibmer, a 29-year-old mountain biking icon from Oberpeischlach, Kals am Großglockner Austria has spent years creating viral content with his daring stunts and breathtaking videos. Growing up just an hour away from Kitzbühel, he was well aware of the Streif’s legendary status. “Kitzbühel has always been a special place for skiing,” Wibmer recalls. “Even as a child, you can feel the excitement of the Hahnenkamm races.”
For Wibmer, the challenge wasn’t just about making it down the mountain but about reinterpreting the iconic course in his own way. Inspired by unforgettable moments like Bode Miller’s famous ‘wall ride’ exit from the steep slope, he knew that he wanted to incorporate his own version of this feat on his bike.
Overcoming the Challenges of the Streif
Tackling the Streif on a bike required meticulous planning and expert collaboration. One of the biggest challenges was adapting his bike for extreme winter conditions, including snow, ice, and bitter cold. To overcome this, Wibmer worked with ice speedway legend Franky Zorn to develop custom spikes for his bike, ensuring maximum grip on the unpredictable surface.
The physical demands of the course were another major obstacle. With speeds reaching up to 107 km/h, drop jumps with height differences of up to 14 metres, and jumping distances of 36 metres, the Streif tested Wibmer’s endurance, skill, and equipment like never before. Among the trickiest sections were the infamous mousetrap, the steep slope, and the lack of reference points on the snow-covered track, which made navigation incredibly difficult.
Despite the challenges, the project turned into an inspirational success. Wibmer and his team spent countless hours fine-tuning every detail, and in the end, every jump worked perfectly. “It’s an awesome feeling to have conquered the Streif,” Wibmer said. “Every jump worked, and it turned out to be a really cool video.”
More Than Just a Ride
Wibmer’s passion for pushing the boundaries doesn’t stop with this project. He continues to run his popular “Sick! Series” brand, producing high-performance cycling gear and accessories. He also performs live street trials with the “Drop and Roll” team, alongside legendary riders Danny MacAskill, Duncan Shaw, Ali Clarkson, and John Langlois.
A Legacy of Adrenaline and Innovation
Fabio Wibmer’s daring ride down the Streif adds a new chapter to the legacy of this historic course. While the Streif has long been a proving ground for the world’s best skiers, Wibmer’s accomplishment shows that extreme sports continue to evolve, and new challenges are always waiting to be achieved.
Whether on skis or two wheels, the Streif remains the ultimate test of courage, skill, and innovation. Fabio Wibmer has cemented his place in its history—not as a skier, but as a trailblazing rider who dared to see the mountain in a whole new way.
Check out this epic film on the big screen at the Banff Mountain Film Festival MAY 2025- Tickets selling fast- get yours here –https://banffaustralia.com.au/tickets/
