Where are the roots of the e-bike & climb in Tirol, what makes it so magical? Interview with someone who should know: Christian "Picco" Piccolruaz.
If you think about the origins of the combination of motorized cycling and climbing - in new parlance "e-bike & climb" - there's one man in Tyrol you can't get past: Christian Piccolruaz. To describe "Picco", as everyone here calls him, as both a pioneer of mountain biking and a pioneer of climbing would not be an exaggeration in either area.
Portrait of Picco. Photo: Christoph Malin
He has been a bike guide since 1991 and became Austrian downhill champion in 2000. He has also worked as a stunt double in films. If you watch videos in which Picco rides his bike up and down everywhere, then you know that he knows what he's doing. He has also made a name for himself as a climber: he has been a mountain guide since 1997 and is now also an instructor for mountain guides in the field of ice climbing. He is a member of the Alpine Club's teaching team and the athletes' team of Climbers Paradise partner Austrialpin. So Picco has plenty of experience and who, if not him, should know: Where are the origins of E-Bike & Climb in Tyrol?
Christian Piccolruaz in action: First ascent of "Chief Pinnis" (7+/8-) in Pinnistal. Photo: Peter Manhartsberger
Picco explains:
"In fact, climbers were among the first to use the e-bike to get to the start faster. Even in Tyrol, be it Reini Scherer, Heinz Zak or Benni Hangl. Almost all of my climbing colleagues now have an e-bike because it's just so practical!"
The climbers' preference for two-wheelers has even been immortalized in the names of the routes on one particular wall in the Karwendel: On the Repswand you will find the "Bike 2 Crack" (9) from 2006, followed by the "Single Trail" (8-/8) from 2008 and later - fully arrived in the age of e-bikes - the "Men with Motors" (8-) from 2016.
Carries a lot of e-bike in the route names: The Repswand in the Karwendel. Photo: Simon Schöpf
The mountains are shrinking
But even for Picco, a convinced downhiller, it took a few years before he recognized the advantages of motor support on a bike. "I still remember it well: it was during a phase when I was a bit tired of the sport after more than 25 years of mountain biking. Then I borrowed one of these new e-MTBs for a weekend and rode four times in those two days, quickly recharging the batteries in between. It was like riding with a 100 km/h tailwind, a completely new feeling. The enthusiasm was back!"
Since then, Picco has been enthusiastic and rides to the Seegrube climbing arena, the Schüsselkar and even ice climbing in the Pinnistal in winter. But one question remains: Is it actually ethical to ride an e-bike in the mountains?
Picco ice climbing in the Pinnistal. He reached the icefall on an e-bike. Photo: Christoph Malin
Picco:
"Mountain biking is primarily about the question of whether I ride up the mountain under my own power or have someone help me. But for climbers, this ethical question doesn't really arise, they just want to be faster on the wall! For me, however, one thing is certain: "With the E-MTB, the mountains shrink in summer".
Tapping into new potential
Christian Piccolruaz on his route "Chief Pinnis" (7+/8-). Photo: Peter Manhartsberger
You could also say that the radius of action is expanding enormously. Suddenly, even higher climbing gardens are becoming interesting, where nobody would have gone for a few routes in the past because they were simply too far away.
"I estimate that the crag potential in Tyrol will at least double thanks to the e-bike. Areas that were previously completely inaccessible can now be opened up. The motorized bike is also brilliant for first ascents, where you have a lot of heavy luggage in your rucksack with friends and a drill. Because with 25 kilos on your back, it makes a difference whether you have to lug everything up yourself or ride up with the turbo".
Downhiller with motor: Picco on a steep climb. Photo: Christoph Malin
One thing is still close to the heart of Picco, a mountain bike trainer for many years:
"Riding technique must be absolutely mastered. Especially when climbing with all the equipment in your rucksack, you really mustn't fall. You're often on very bumpy trails. That's why I would highly recommend riding technique training to everyone. It's time well spent."
E-Bike & Climb: The packing list
What do you need for an E-Bike & Climb adventure? Picco recommends a well-maintained fully (full-suspension bike) with good suspension, strong brakes and thick tires for the often bumpy climbs. It is also essential to be prepared in the event of a flat tire:
Pump Spare inner tube mini-tool First aid kit Helmet (usually the climbing helmet) gloves Bike lock
Packing list: What you need for e-bike & climb. Photo: Christian Piccolruaz
E-bike & climb in Tyrol
This page summarizes the best places to start your e-bike & climb adventure in Tyrol. Some tourism associations now also offer organized tours with mountain guides and e-bike hire for anyone who would like to try out this activity. But be careful: it can be addictive. You only have to look at the Picco.
