Alex Alanko: I love to explore the world experience new stuff and get some new perspectives on life that way. I think it is the best way to learn to appreciate what you have.
The 2019 season was my most successful year yet on my bike and also the year I progressed the most personally. After a strong previous season, I found myself as an alternate for the first Diamond Series event of the year: Crankworx in New Zealand. Despite my alternate status, I booked my flights and prepared as if I were riding. I visualized my run, perfected my tricks, and stayed ready. The day before my flight, I got an email, that someone had pulled out, and I was officially in. That news fueled my excitement, but I kept my expectations low, focusing on the experience.
The jumps were massive, and on the first practice day, I was intimidated by the speed and scale. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to put down a full run. Luckily, my friend Viktor Douhan was there to remind me to take it one jump at a time and trust myself. Pushing my limits each session, I gradually worked my way through the course. On contest day, I still hadn’t landed some of my tricks. One jump, in particular, was holding me back a long, low-speed jump that I was hesitant even to attempt. In my final practice run before the contest, I managed to land a backflip on it. That was the turning point. From then on, I focused purely on executing my run. I landed it clean and finished 3rd in the contest, my biggest result yet. Even today, I still buzz from the feeling of that moment.
That result secured my spot in the rest of the Diamond Series contests for the season. I thought I had my preparation figured out, but high expectations led to disappointment at Crankworx Innsbruck, where I failed to land my run. Red Bull Joyride in Whistler was up next, presenting an even bigger challenge. Even with my Crankworx experience, Whistler’s course was next-level. I struggled with mechanical issues, bending my cranks twice in practice, which hurt my preparation. Despite setbacks at my last two events, I learned the most from them. I now understand what to expect and how to better prepare for the future.
I also competed in a few Gold events this season, securing 3rd place at Swatch Rocket Air and another 3rd at Omarisquino in Spain. Overall, I had my best season to date, finishing 7th in the world rankings.
The event format suits me well, as I like being able to prepare in advance. However, I’d love to see more variety in formats—maybe a dedicated park series for mountain bikes?
Competing in extreme sports always comes with risk. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of injuries, so I’ve become more health-conscious, focusing on injury prevention. Even with precautions, riding takes a toll, and staying healthy requires constant effort.
Goals for 2020
My plan for 2020 is simple: ride as much as possible and push my limits on and off the bike. My main competition goal is to break into the top five in the world rankings and win at least one Gold event or higher-ranked contest. More than the title itself, I’m excited about what achieving that goal will demand of me. To succeed, I need to level up in every aspect, becoming more dialed on my bike, more disciplined in my training, and taking better care of my body. The growth that comes from chasing a goal is what excites me the most.
Traveling as a mountain biker takes me to places I’d never otherwise visit. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and gaining new perspectives. It helps me appreciate what I have even more.
One of my funniest travel experiences happened in New Zealand. Walking to the event afterparty with friends, we were casually drinking beers when a police car suddenly pulled up in front of us. The officers jumped out, looking serious. They informed us that drinking alcohol in public was illegal. Playing the clueless tourist card, we apologized. Then, surprisingly, they smirked and gave us a choice: pour out our beers or chug them. So, with the cops watching, we finished our drinks right there. Good times!
My Bike Setup
This season, I rode the Cachet XX frame. It’s similar to my old Canyon Stitched 360, but it feels slightly smaller and makes certain tricks easier. I’m impressed with how versatile it is, whether I’m hitting the biggest slopestyle courses in the world or jibbing at my local skatepark, it handles everything smoothly.
I prefer a stiff fork setup, and the Pike fork delivers exactly that. It still absorbs heavy landings but remains firm on takeoffs, which is crucial for my riding style.
Best Pedaling Setup? I run a 32-12 gear ratio—it’s the perfect middle ground. It allows me to execute tail tap combos easily while still maintaining enough speed for FMB courses.
I ride a gyro with a custom upper plate and drilled gyro tabs on my frame. For my brakes, I use a ton of oil in the cables to get the perfect feel. I also keep my wheels as stiff as possible with super-tight spokes and usually run 4.2 Bar (front) and 4.5 Bar (rear) air pressure, adjusting slightly based on grip needs.
The Mental Side of Competing
Competition can sometimes take the fun out of riding if you’re in it for the wrong reasons. For me, it’s about pushing myself and stepping outside my comfort zone. If I wasn’t enjoying the challenge, competing wouldn’t be worth it. I love all forms of riding, but progression is what keeps me hooked on it. It gives me those small wins along the way that make the whole journey satisfying.
Giving Back to the Community
I’m also actively involved in my local bike park, Fyrhuset Bike Park. It’s a youth association that organizes various activities for young people in our neighborhood, with funding from the municipality. The bike park has been running for seven years now, and it has always been built and maintained by riders like me and my friends. No one gets paid, our reward is having a place to ride and create whatever fits in the space. It’s a unique way to build a bike park, and I’m stoked to be part of it.
Alex Alanko