Manfred Stromberg-Katschinka

Hello Manfred!

Who am I and why ALLEGRA?

Almost everything in my life revolves around my bike - whether as a racing driver, riding technique trainer, tester or photographer. My goal has always been to help the community ride better. At ALLEGRA, I want to achieve even more: I want to ensure that there are more and better routes so that even more people can experience the joy, flow and intense nature experience of mountain biking. I am convinced that mountain biking is not the problem, but part of the solution to our most pressing social, economic and ecological challenges. Well-planned trails can not only intensify the experience of nature, but also help protect sensitive environments and provide sustainable economic stimulus. Cycling has the potential to redefine our mobility.

I love all kinds of bikes and want to promote them – whether mountain bikes, dirt jumpers, gravel bikes, city bikes or cargo bikes. As soon as I start rolling, a switch flips in my mind and I'm happy.

Because of this enthusiasm, I did pioneering work in 1999 and founded the Bikeride mountain bike school. Today I train future guides and riding technique teachers at the most renowned provider in Germany, the DIMB. I owe my wider fame to my numerous riding technique tutorials in the German mountain bike magazine - the first was published in 1996...

I have had a number of successes, including three German BMX championship titles, fifth place at the European and World Championships, and runner-up in the Downhill Masterclass. But my greatest success is that I still enjoy cycling just as much today as I did when I was eleven.

I gained my first experience in track construction in 2003 when I built a small trail park and a 4-cross track on a former garbage dump in Dortmund.

Today, I bring my know-how and enthusiasm to the ALLEGRA team in the secret bike capital of Innsbruck, where I help to develop innovative mountain bike concepts. In addition to my work as a consultant and trainer, I also remain true to my second passion: photography. I studied photo design and work as a professional photographer in the areas of sport, reporting and art.

My favorite product at ALLEGRA? 

I love it when a destination has something to offer everyone - from families to ambitious enduro riders. When everyone finds their perfect trail and comes back with a big smile, then for me that is bike culture in action, then a destination is truly complete. That's what I strive for.

What do I most like to talk to you about? 

From A, like A-Line, to Z, like Zen Buddhism. I like to talk about life and cycling. I like to understand.