Dennis Hummelsiep
Name:
Dennis Hummelsiep
Nickname:
Hummel (Bumblebee)
Year you joined Team GT:
1994
Favourite GT year & model:
Xizang Titanium, Zaskar 1994
Favourite Rider:
John Tomac
Favourite year team kit:
1993 Team H+H Serotta T-Max
If you had to ride a descent on a GT Quatrefoil (Tandem) with someone from your time at GT would you have with you & why?
Jimmi Killen, he was same age “Young Guns”
Have you ever pulled a prank on someone or had one pulled on you while riding at GT?
Probably all the time.
Can you tell us about your experience racing or riding mountain bikes for GT Bicycles in the 90’s?
I came directly from Junior class after becoming 5th from the World Championships, Vice European Champion to GT International Team in 1994, in my opinion Xizang was one of the best bikes i rode at that time.
What was your favourite event or race that you competed in during that time period and why?
Elba Mountainbike World Cup in 1994 . It was my first World Cup riding Pro Class, and a top 20 result in my first Pro race.
Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time racing or riding for GT Bicycles?
Mammoth Lakes World Cup in 1995, i crashed hard the day before the race and my arm needs to be sewn. I will never forget riding in these high altitude under these conditions.
How did you first get involved with GT Bicycles, and what made you choose to race or ride for the brand?
They asked me to ride for the brand. GT was always a fvourite brand of mine.
What was the mountain bike racing or riding scene like in the 90’s compared to today?
I think it was the best time in MTB Racing ever. Characters like Tomac, Juarez, Overend etc i never saw characters like them again. Also could you imagine the races took nearly 3 hours ! Today around 1.30 h
Can you describe the technology and equipment used for mountain biking during the 90’s, and how it has changed over time?
When i start riding MTB there was no Suspension fork, 29″ inch wheels or hydraulic brakes it was pure technically riding, you can´t compare to the equipment from today.
How did you see the sport of mountain biking evolving during the 90’s, and how did GT Bicycles play a role in that evolution?
I think MTB in the 90´s was at the highest point when CC became Olympic discipline for us riders it was a amazing time. GT bikes already came with a great geometry time ahead .
Can you tell us about some of the biggest achievements or milestones in your racing or riding career while with GT Bicycles?
I was one of only a very few riders from europe, to became part of the GT International Team in 1994 it was also my first year in World Cup circus.
What was it like to be a part of the GT Bicycles racing or riding team in the 90’s, and how did the team dynamics influence your performance?
It was very hard, i think i was 17 or 18 years old when i become a pro, first World Cup years was unbelievable hard, after half of the season i was very exhausted.
How do you think you’re time racing or riding for GT Bicycles in the 90’s has impacted your life and career, and what advice would you give to aspiring mountain bikers today?
It was a great experience riding for GT as a european. For me it was the start into the international CC circus. My advice to younger riders , keep going, train hard, but didnt push yourself to hard to early ! It takes time.
What made the biggest impact on you while at GT Bicycles which you rely on today?
Starting my carreer in international MTB riding at GT