CoffeeTalk with Carlo Dieckmann

I know Carlo D for a long time now. Before beeing on Cannondale, then LEAFcycles, i had the chance to make a small roadtrip with him while he was on LASTbikes. What always amazed me, it’s his ability to ride a bike. Super confident when it’s about streeriding, Carlo is also really stylish on dirtjumps and quite fast when it’s all about freeriding. I also remember somebody that was really aware of the amount of work that a “pro” status involved. When i see him now, i really see an happy rider. Hooked up with LEAFcycles, he really had the opportunity to let his creativity go, without the restrictions of a big brand with corporate ideas. Always searching for the next thing to do, as with LEAF or MTBisOKAY.de, it was the perfect timing to know a bit more on what was going on for him…

- Name ? Age ? Who you’re riding for ?
Carlo Dieckmann, 24, riding for Adidas, Leafcycles, DT Swiss & Troyan Gloves
- How and when did you start riding a bike ?
I startet with a 18″ BMX Bike when I was about 7. Rode a 20Inch for a while but transferred pretty soon on a Mountainbike. I think I was about 12.
- When did you become a “pro” ?
2005 was kind of the entry for my procareer. I did Crankworx, went to Cali my first time aso. But 2006 was actually my first year as a pro beeing with Cannondale and a proper team
- What were the biggest changes in life turning pro ?
When I turned pro it was like starting one big roadtrip. Just travelling, riding and no time at home.

- How do you train ?
No real recipe. Just go out and have fun
- Can you describe a normal day of your life ?
Mmmh thats a tricky question because I dont have a real daily routine. I try to get up as soon as possible which means 8-10. After this I check the weather and decide if I go ride or not in the afternoon. Around Launchtime I do all the mailstuff, and then I am open to do anything. But when it’s season pretty much every day is freestyle cause I have to do my stuff around, travel schedules you know…
- Can you please briefly sum up your season ?
I spend most of the season in Berlin or travelling in germany. I did a Gypsytour with Marius Hoppensack called “Tortour” and went a couple times to switzerland riding. I spent some time working at GYM Trails in Berlin and we also had two jams there this year. A good year but not as much riding as I wanted to.
- What are you focused on for next year ? Any changes ? Sponsors ?
Looks like I’ll be on the same progamm for next year which is good, because I am happy. First thing I wanne travel again. Just to be out there and have as many good sessions as possible. And when I am on the road I wanne capture these stories on video or photo and get them out there.
- What are you up to for this winter ?
Right now I am still super busy with finishing stuff from this season. We are working on a DVD about the Tortour which is quite a project. Its the first time for all of us so there is a lot of work to do. In january I’ll be off to argentina and chile for one month, holidays that I haven’t had since I turned pro. I also have in mind attending university and study graphic design but I have to wait and see.

- What are you doing when you’re not on you bike ?
Spending too much time on my computer. The internet offers  so much information, absolutely insane. I am not into Myspace, facebook or this shit. Rightnow I am also working with friends on a youthproject which is based on a pumptrack. I am in charge of the website, communication also. Its a cool project and nice to be involved in this.
- What kind of music do you listen to ?
I love music and any type of it. Classic, eighties, Hiphop, Heavy Metal it just depends on which mood I am. But german rap is really my favorite. I have hard times with the hard electronical beats that they play in every single club in berlin rightnow. Its shit.
- What was your dream when you were a kid ? Did you succeed ?
I never really had one specific dream. At first I wanted to become an architect and then mountainbike pro. Now I am a Mountainbike pro so dream is succeeded. But there are always new dreams coming or old ones changing.

- Which skills do you think are recquired to be a top-level athlete ?
First of all you need talent to ride like a pro-level athlete but then you also need people around you. People you are riding with, photographers, filmers, Sponsors just a few people who are very close to you. I would say friends are important.
- Is there some persons who helped you along your career or now and you would like to thanks or put the spotlights on ?
Yeah for sure. A big thanks to Matthias Iden for beeing an awesome friend and huge supporter since I live in Berlin. We discuss, ride and drink together.
Props to “Kjeldy” for keeping “MTBisokay” fresh and entertaining. I really wanne say thanks to Sebastian Schieck for beeing an unreal photographer and an amazing dude. It never gets boring with you!