Supermoto is a discipline of its own. To succeed in it, you primarily need one thing: endurance. This – and much more – is what this year’s FIM S1GP SuperMoto World Champion, Lukas Höllbacher, brings to the table. In this interview, the charismatic Upper Austrian shares his highlights, challenges, and the story behind his nickname, “Fastest Baker.”

First things first: congratulations on your freshly won World Championship title! How does it feel?

It’s simply overwhelming. Becoming World Champion has been my biggest dream since I started competing in the World Championship in 2014, and now that it has come true, it means an incredible amount to me. Even though it happened under special circumstances, it feels one hundred percent deserved because honesty counts in sports, and that’s exactly what I stand for. With the double World Champion title in 2025, the Supermoto of Nations, and the individual World Championship, it’s clearly the best year of my career.

What is Supermoto, in simple terms, and what is the difference between racing Supermoto and lifestyle Supermoto?

Supermoto is a blend of offroad and onroad racing. Tracks usually consist of about 70% asphalt and 30% offroad. Riders compete on 450 cc Supermoto bikes based on motocross machines but equipped with slick tires, bigger brakes, and a stiffer, shorter suspension. Races are similar to motocross: 25‑minute heats with 25–30 riders. The challenge is setting up the bike to work on both surfaces – stiff, precise, and agile on asphalt, yet softer and more compliant offroad. Finding that “golden middle ground” isn’t easy. Mentally, the discipline is extremely demanding. Today, many national championships exist alongside the World Championship, which now takes place almost exclusively in Europe because overseas events are difficult to fund.

How did you get started? What or who inspired you to ride Supermoto?

I started on 50 cc bikes. Back then, there were Supermoto races on the company grounds in Mattighofen, including kids’ classes. My dad raced, and my sister Laura and I simply joined in. That’s how it all began. At the time, there were more training opportunities – parking lots, local events, border‑region races. Soon we were racing in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. At 17, I was largely on my own because my family had to run the bakery at home. But I always had good people around me who taught me a lot.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to pursue this professionally?

It actually happened gradually. The peak of professional Supermoto was around 2010, but that’s exactly when things began to decline – manufacturers pulled their factory teams, budgets shrank. So I didn’t really have active role models. I became competitive quickly and raced against riders like Bernd Hiemer who were nearing the end of their careers. Being “professional” in the sense of making a living from the sport wasn’t really possible – there was technical and material support, but rarely financial support.

What role did KTM play for you in that journey?

I’ve always ridden KTM. Technically, KTM was the best foundation for me – reliable components, strong parts availability, and a competitive package for the season. The support was always there, giving me what I needed to win.

When comparing your first World Championship race with your most recent one – what has changed for you?

Above all, my approach has changed. In the beginning, I just rode – young, wild, full of energy. Over time, physical fitness, mental strength, and routine developed. My riding style and speed haven’t changed dramatically, but my understanding, consistency, and maturity certainly have. Today I know you don’t need to win every race to come out on top in the end. Injuries and crashes also change you – you think more, you set your priorities differently.

You’ve also had to deal with serious health setbacks. What injuries did you have, and what was that time like for you?

For a long time, I managed without major injuries. Then came back problems – ultimately a herniated disc in 2023. During the last race before the season, I suddenly had severe pain radiating into my foot. The recommended surgery didn’t go perfectly; a nerve was irritated, and I had no feeling in my right foot for two days. What followed was an intense eight‑month rehab program.

During my first time back on the bike, I crashed and seriously injured my shoulder (ligament and capsule injuries, and damage to the socket). That surgery also didn’t go ideally. Shoulder rehab ran parallel to back rehab – extremely demanding. Some issues remain, and further treatment is still on the table.

What was the time like when you couldn’t ride?

At first it was okay because my second job – running my bakery – kept me busy. The distance was nice for a change. But mentally, it’s tough when you know how much effort the rebuild will require, and then the pain returns on top of it.

Was that the most difficult moment of your career?

Yes, absolutely. This current phase is the hardest. I’m grateful for the off‑season because I need time to decide how to continue. Many people want to know what my plan looks like – but my shoulder will decide everything. 

How did it feel when Team Austria won the Supermoto of Nations?

Simply incredible (a spark of pride flashes in his eyes). No one expected us to win. We had strong opponents, especially Germany. I took two race wins, which secured the decisive point for Austria. It was an incredibly emotional moment – a true life highlight.

What goals do you have for the coming season?

Of course, to defend the World Championship title. But the most important requirement is staying healthy. The result heavily depends on how well my shoulder recovers. The team and the equipment are strong – sometimes the last puzzle piece is still missing, but every year we work on finding it again.

What do you wish for the development of Supermoto as a sport?

More public visibility, more young talent, but above all, more closeness to the fans – city races work extremely well. Youth development in Austria is going well, and junior classes are growing. What’s missing are training tracks – many municipalities remain hesitant about them.

Aside from your racing career, you are also an ambassador for KTM. How was the shoot for the new KTM SMC R models, and what do you think of the bikes?

The shoot was really cool – perfect tracks, great locations, an awesome team. You can truly push these bikes to their limits. I like the new Supermoto models a lot, the design, the handling, the ride modes, the dashboard, it’s a fantastic overall package, especially for ambitious riders.

And what does your everyday life look like?

I’ve been running Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher - the oldest bakery in Austria – for six years now. It’s a great balance and works surprisingly well alongside motorsport. Privately, I try to live a “normal life,” which is often difficult time‑wise. My nickname “Fastest Baker,” by the way, comes from my time racing in Spain. Someone found out I was a baker by trade and joked that I must be the fastest baker around – and people picked it up, and it somehow stuck.

What was the most beautiful moment of your career?

2013 – my entry into the S1 category, the premier class. As a young rider, I was immediately accepted, treated fairly, and managed to achieve major results: Austrian Champion, German Champion, my first World Championship race win, and of course the Nations victory this year! When I received the call shortly before Christmas telling me I was the new FIM S1GP SuperMoto World Champion, I could hardly believe it. All the hard work paid off, and my lifelong dream of becoming World Champion finally came true.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Do everything the same – commitment, hard work, determination. Give it full gas, always keeping the goal in sight. Never ease up, and most importantly: listen to experienced people; you’ll make fewer mistakes that way. Of course you have to make your own mistakes, but in motorsport, mistakes usually hurt. So stay focused and have fun. And never underestimate how important a strong environment is.