GETTING TO KNOW RAPHAELA RITCHER

I'm Raphaela, i'm 28 years old and am a Enduro racer from Germany. I started riding bikes as a 3 year old and took part in my first XC competitions at the age of 5. Basically i always wanted to do what my older brothers were up to and that's how i got into mtb. 

How did you get into racing Enduro?

I couldn't really keep up on the uphills during the XC races, haha! Reflecting on what i like about mountainbiking - which was going down hills rather than up hills - and again having my brothers around me who introduced me to that "new thing" called Enduro around 2012, i'm happy to have not hung up my boots and tried something new back then.

Has it always been Enduro? Or have you raced other disciplines?

Originally i started with XC racing as a kid :)

What’s been your favourite Enduro World Series venue?

I think Maydena, Tasmania was a trip of a lifetime for me. 

Favourite trail snack?

Little boiled potatoes are my secret tip for racing, especially when you're nervous and sweets might not favor your nervous tummy. But usually i go for oat bars a lot.

Who inspires you?

Phew, i think there's a long list. I'd say I'm the number one fan of my boyfriend Ruben as he's a great example of working towards personal goals. Looking at women in Mountainbiking, Ines Thoma has been a role model on the Enduro side as well as Isabeau Courdourier, Morganne Charre, Tracy Mosely and looking across to DH off course my friend Nina Hoffmann who i can always talk to. I could go on forever but just to name a few.

What are your plans this year on the bike?

I'm planning to take part in the whole Enduro world cup series as well as German national Champs and trying to grow the local mtb scene.