Elias Ruso landed a world’s-first frontflip heel-clicker during a heated session on the Big Air jump situated in the Birkenfeld Quarry in Germany’s Hunsrück-Nahe bike region. This complex aerial trick involves the rider and bike doing a forward flip in the air, while simultaneously lifting his feet over his arms and bringing them close enough to click his heels together in front of him.

“There’s so much force involved and you have to be super careful with not over-rotating it. You pull the rear brake, lift off, snap the front flip, pull off the feet and click them together, and hopefully land it!”, said the 22-year-old from Vienna.

He did the trick on the largest jump at the Audi Nines venue, a 5 meter tall kicker requiring the rider to clear a 12 meter gap. He was also riding a downhill mountain bike, which are much heavier and harder to manoeuvre than the hard-tail mountain bikes often favoured for freestyle riding.

He has been watching the event since he was 14 years old, and is absolutely elated to be riding alongside his older brother Daniel and his mountain bike idols.

“Audi Nines is one of the sickest events. I’ve been watching it every year since 2013, and to be here and to land my first ever frontflip heel-clicker is a dream come true. I can’t believe it to be honest”.

The Sessions are Firing.
Audi Nines 2021 is only two days in, and it’s safe to say that it’s off to a banging start. From the moment riding began, we’ve seen tech tricks, trains, big air and non-stop progression sessions from the men and the women across the entire course. All riders are pushing their limits, especially Robin Goomes (NZL) who stepped to the 18 meter hip on the Freeride Line and Gemma Corbera (ESP) landing a huge backflip on the Big Air kicker.

“The first two days of riding have already exceeded our expectations for the entire week, it’s just insane how much has already happened, and we can’t wait for more,” says Caroline Buchanan (AUS).

“The nine women are exceeding all expectations and more than proving that they belong in the folds of the Audi Nines family. This event produces an environment where riders who often compete against each other instead help each other to evolve. What makes Audi Nines unique is the way that mountain bikers help each other to progress the sport, and the camaraderie on display is truly inspiring,” says event founder Nico Zacek.