Janez Grašič was part of the core of the Swiss downhill community in the 90s, but also had a lasting impact on the Slovenian downhill scene. Although he was born and raised in Switzerland, he represented his parents' home country at numerous European and world championships. He won the Slovenian downhill championship title four times, something that even younger, internationally established riders such as Miran Vauh and Jure Žabjek had not been able to top. However, his racing luck was not always on his side. But then the show took center stage. He loved jumping and impressed his fans with his spectacular style - his nickname "Grashow" was no coincidence.

Even after his racing career, the Olten native lived the sport of mountain biking with all his heart. He built bike trails in Slovenia, Switzerland and Tuscany and even constructed his own bikes. Together with Alex Hauri, Grašič launched the luxury e-bike brand Jaal Cycles in 2015, but it never really took off. The charismatic cheerful character last appeared in public in 2017. As part of the SRF Summer Challenge, he rode his own version of the Plaine Morte Tour, completely without rail transport and over exposed Suonen trails. After that, things quietened down for him. Grašič continued to cultivate his passion with close friends from the bike scene.

Two months ago, however, Janez Grašič collapsed unexpectedly during a bike tour in Tuscany. After receiving the shock diagnosis of lung cancer, the 53-year-old was treated in Switzerland, but unfortunately too late. On December 12, around a month before his 54th birthday, he lost his battle against the disease.