Christoph Heinrich is the newest member of KÜHL's Master Cycling Team. He's tearing up the circuit, with a podium finish at Missoula XC and a win at the Wasatch Back 50. Originally from Switzerland, Christoph moved to Utah with his wife and three sons (now 8, 11, and 12). They're following in their father's footsteps and compete in MTB, Cyclocross and Road racing.
What makes you a KÜHL kid? How do you live the mountain culture?
I basically grew up in the mountains in Switzerland. In our family we have always hiked and skied in the Alps. I’ve been mountain biking for close to 30 years now, I still remember my first mountain bike very well. I moved to Salt Lake City in 1998 and was amazed by the great mountain biking and skiing here. My wife and I then moved to Switzerland in 1999 and when we decided to move back to the US in 2011, I didn’t have to think long about what city I would want to move to. The outdoors here in SLC are fantastic and I spend a lot of time skiing, biking and hiking with my kids.
What's your most memorable adventure?
Riding the White Rim Trail with my son Luke last year. He was only 11, and we rode the 100 miles in 2 days, unsupported. I had it all planned out, but when we started the temperature was way higher than I anticipated (and was forecasted!). At some point I had 120°F on my Garmin. This turned the ride into a bit of an adventure, since we were low on water and there was literally nobody else on the trail. It turned out well, and looking back it was a great adventure both of us will never forget.
If you could adventure anywhere in the world for a week or two, where would you go?
South America.
Who inspires you?
Ueli Steck, a Swiss Climber. It’s inspiring how much he has achieved in climbing and how he has changed the sport of climbing. I saw an interview where he said that he wasn’t a good athlete until he found out that he could run uphill fast. The rest is love for the sport of climbing and determination.
What's your favorite piece of gear?
Right now it’s my Cannondale Scalpel, but pretty soon it will be my new Cross bike.
What's your worst habit?
Buying bike stuff.
What song makes you most stoked to play hard?Ramble on by Led Zeppelin or The Black Keys
What’s your favorite food and drink after an adventure?
EVERYTHING in the fridge!
What’s hot/what’s not?
Masters Racing/Masters Doping
What's the worst injury you sustained from adventuring and how did you recover?
Broken ribs and bruised lung. I recovered by riding without breathing.
What the fastest speed you’ve ever gone under your own power, assisted by gravity?
Probably around 60 mph
What’s your favorite thing about KÜHL?
I love the outdoor style of KÜHL, especially the shirts.
What’s your favorite piece of KÜHL clothing? How do you use it?Shirts. I use them for hiking and work.
