2022 GOALS: New bike for Stefan Heil (GER)

Jan 19, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 1784 times

Setting new goals for the new year is something most of us do. How can you better yourself? Is it possible to make that Elite main or podium? Is my training on point or is there someone out there who can teach me more? Is my equipment on point? Should I switch to carbon? Today we're checking in with Germany's Stefan Heil who switched from an aluminium Meybo to a carbon HARO for 2022.

Name: Stefan Heil
Age: 22
Hometown: Kolbermoor, Germany
Sponsors: Forn-lab

Did 2021 turn out the way you wanted?
Stefan Heil: Was my best season so far for sure with another National title and the Silver in the U23

European Championship, without my injury it would have been better of course.

With the start of the new year, are you always looking to become a faster racer?
Stefan Heil: Of course I think everyone does but the Level of speed is so high in Elite that it only matters if you can pull it off when you need to.

Have you picked your races for 2022 yet?
Stefan Heil: Planning to do all European Cups and try to make it to all UCI World Cups and qualify for the UCI World's in France.

What did you change on your bike for 2022?
Stefan Heil: Everything. Left the Target BMX Team and do my own stuff now and switched from Meybo to a Haro Carbon.

Do you generally test things in the off season like different tires, different sized frames, wider bars, longer stems, different gears?
Stefan Heil: Not that much anymore. I used to do it a lot in the past years also throughout the season but I am happy with my setup so wouldn't change to much anymore.

What racing gear will you be running in 2022?
Stefan Heil: Haro carbon Bike, Forn-lab Clothes, Bell Helmet and Shimano Shoes.

What's the helmet of your choice for the new season?
Stefan Heil: The Bell Full 9. Always had Bell helmets as a child and now without any sponsors I can go back to ride whatever I want.

Do you intend to eat better in 2022?
Stefan Heil: Not really. I'm already looking on my eat behavior.

Has your training schedule changed from last year?
Stefan Heil: Not really.

Who is helping you with your training schedule?
Stefan Heil: Simon Schirle is always talking with us about training but in the past few years David Graf teached us to get a sense of feeling on what we need to do so mainly it's ourself but always with a chat with Simon.

Do you get help with mental coaching?
Stefan Heil: Yes I have a psychologist.

What's your local BMX track that you ride the most?
Stefan Heil: The SX Track in Stuttgart.

Do you ride pump tracks and trails to improve your bike handling skills?
Stefan Heil: Nah was on a pumptrack once. Trails also very rarely so I prefer to go on small BMX tracks instead.

What are your strengths?
Stefan Heil: Bike feeling and I am very light but still strong for my bodyweight.

What are your weaknesses?
Stefan Heil: My experience when it comes down when you need it.

What are your goals for 2022?
Stefan Heil: To make it happen basically.