We catch up with rapid Spaniard Toni Ferreiro and talk about why he loves bikes, racing and especially e-bikes! A hot prospect on the World E-Bike Series, Toni is definitely one to watch.

Spanish enduro racer Toni Ferreiro has been a force to be reckoned with on the race scene for many years. Having won national titles as well as competing at the highest level in downhill and enduro he is a stylish all-rounder of the highest calibre. We decided to find out more...

Tell us about yourself, where are you from and how did you get into mountain bikes?

I'm from Vigo, a city northwest of Spain. I always liked bikes and in my city they organised a Mini Downhill race; I went to check it out, I got hooked and until today I still do not get off the bike!

Who do you ride for and which bikes do you ride?

I am an ambassador for Merida Bikes and my most used bikes are the E-One Sixty, One Sixty and the One Forty. The first two I compete with, but I ride the One-Forty just for fun.

How do you like your bikes set up, and are there any specific things you are fussy about?

Before, when I was younger, I did not notice anything specific about the bike - I did not care how it was set up. Now I notice everything and I hate the slightest noise or slack in any part of my bike. I like to set up the shock with a lot of sag, around forty per cent and run it quite progressive.

How would you describe your riding style?

I think I have a fine and safe riding style. I do not think I have any strong points in particular, but I do believe that I can perform well on any type of trail or stage. I like to ride technical trails which also have flow; I do not know if they are the ones that I am best at, but they are the ones that I like the most!

What do you do when you are not riding a bike?

I love sports and especially anything that involves speed. I occasionally ride a motorcycle and some snowboarding during the winter months. I also like watersports and when I can practice them I enjoy wakeboarding and going out on a jet ski.

What do you love most about mountain biking?

There are many things that I like, but I love the great atmosphere and the people who practice it. Riding mountain bikes for me is about having a laugh and having fun with friends whilst riding a bike.

What annoys you most about mountain biking?

Having to clean things after a day riding in lots of mud!

Which riders have most influenced you over the years and how?

There are many riders that I like because of the way they ride, but for me my favourite athletes have been, and always will be, Jose Hermida and Steve Peat. They are more than just a rider, they are always happy, they give everything and enjoy what they do on bikes and in life in general.

Best ever competition results on a bike?

11th place in Val di Sole World Cup and 4th in Bariloche EWS.

What's your favourite place to ride in the world and why?

Maybe Whistler, the tracks are cool but the atmosphere there is awesome. I love all the tracks, but the A-line is the most fun track that I have ridden.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given in your mountain bike career?

Enjoy what you do and be disciplined.

What are your plans for the rest of 2019?

I'm focused on the WES (World E-Bike Series) there are two rounds left, and in the most recent one I was a few seconds away from the podium. Before the end of the year, I would like to get on it!

What are your predictions for the future of mountain bikes and mountain bike riding?

The future of mountain bikes is electric. I am in love with my E-ONE SIXTY, which is a bike with which you can do exactly the same as with an enduro bike - just faster!

What's your favourite event or race?

Maybe the World Champs. It's the most important race of the year and you can feel the nervous energy of the riders and watch the most awesome and crazy runs. I love the Andorra World Cup track the most.

Could you tell me some more about the WES (World E-Bike series), is it just like enduro?

It's like a normal enduro race, but in the middle of the stage they have these technical climbs with roots and are very steep.

Why does e-bike racing suit you and why do you enjoy it?

You can do the same as with a normal enduro bike but much faster. The electric bike, thanks to its weight, is more stable and you can release the brakes more. You do however need more strength because the bike weighs more and the more strength you have, the better you will move it.

Thanks to Toni and Merida. Good luck with the rest of the season!

Videos

Toni Ferreiro - A Homestory
new eONE-SIXTY in action
By Ewen Turner
Ewen Turner is a self-confessed bike geek from Kendal in the Lake District of England. He runs a coaching and guiding business up there and has a plethora of knowledge about bikes with an analytical approach to testing. His passion for bicycles is infectious, and he’s a ripper on the trails who prefers to fit his working life around his time on the bike.

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