Last week we got a look at the Red Bull – The Riverbed Trails with Paul Tholen video, now today we get a little behinds the scenes look at what it took to make the project happen. Get some insight from a few of the people involved, a look at some of the build out they did and some extra riding footage! Such a wild spot to ride.
Red Bull – The Riverbed Trails with Paul Tholen
“The natural playground for BMX Park riders Paul Thölen and Daniel Wedemeijer
usually involves the smooth transitions and flat bottoms of skateparks, but for their latest project the two were taken out of their comfort zone to ride a wild whitewater kayak and canoe slalom course in Tacen, Slovenia that had been drained of its water.
See how Paul, Daniel and a bunch of local riders got on riding the whitewater course in the video.
We did need some time to get used to the short run-ups, raw surface and bumpy transitions, but then we had a lot of fun riding the place
– Paul Thölen
Whitewater courses are mostly artificially constructed. When drained of water the riverbed canals reveal interesting concrete shapes and transitions that make them perfect for BMX riding. Ramps were built inside the 180m Tacen course to allow Thölen, Wedemeijer and the other riders to gain some more airtime.
Thölen, who is only 16 years old, came up with the idea of riding a riverbed trail after coming across a photo of a kayak course without any water last year. His dream came into reality after he got in touch with fellow Red Bull athlete, Slovenian Peter Kauzer, a multiple World and European canoe-slalom champion. Kauzer trains throughout the year on the whitewater course in Tacen, near Ljubljana.
“I simply liked the exciting idea and because I know the course manager really well, I could convince him to leave the place to the boys for three days,” said Kauzer.”
Vans – Paul Tholen Welcome Edit
Holy crap! Paul Tholen has been on Vans Germany for a minute now, but I think this video will make it much more known that he’s on the team because it’s loaded with some serious BANGERS! Must see for sure!
“Paul Thölen made it to the German VANS team in early 2014. He never had an official welcome edit, especially with school still taking a big part of his life, and Paul wanted to ride outdoors, which is not the easiest in central Europe before summer.
Well, here it is – a really neat compilation of the 15 year old at three different spots around Germany. Paul goes big, goes both ways and upside down… consider this an appetizer for what Paul still will be delivering in the future.
High 5 Paul, stoked to have you on board.
#firstinbmx
Music: “Light & Motion” by Aerials”
Red Bull – Paul Tholen: What A Day
Red Bull Germany’s young gun, Paul Thölen, gets setup for a full day of riding all to find out that his favorite rider, Kriss Kyle, would be surprising him with a visit for a session! Take a peek and see how this day went down!
Game of HORST – Paul Tholen Vs Kriss Kyle
Freedom BMX caught up with Paul Tholen and Kriss Kyle and 040 BMX Park over in Eindhoven! Who takes home the win? Hit that play button and find out!
