Name: Kurt Pickard
Age: 21
Hometown: Tauranga, NZ
Sponsors: Crupi, Rhythm, Progate, Bike NZ, 2XU, Oakley, Ilabb, Skullcandy, ODI, Kenda, G-Shock.
When did you think you had a slight chance of making the Olympic team for New Zealand? Kurt: Not until it was announced, so it was a little stressful.
It's been a long road for everyone to make it to their national team for the Olympics. What sacrifices did you have to make to get where you are at the moment?
Kurt: Yeah it sure has been a busy few years. But personally I don't really see it as a "sacrifice" I love to ride my bike and this is what I love doing.
New Zealand actually has a strong team with Marc Willers and Sarah Walker as your team mates. What would it mean for any of you to come home with a medal? Kurt: It's nice to have riders like Marc And Sarah who are
favorites to medal in the team tent and have experienced an Olympic games before. I think for every rider going it's a dream to win gold, it's definitely a dream of mine. A medal for NZ would do a lot for our program and help the development of the junior riders, plus it would help get some recognition to BMX Racing back home.
Do you think that's what it takes for the general public to get some interest going in BMX?
Kurt: It would sure be a great start!
Do you actually have a supercross style track to train on in NZ? Kurt: We do have a SX track.. The ramp still has some
finishing touching to be done so we won't be riding it before London. But we did have the a UCI round off SX hill back in January.
How does your preparation look heading towards the Olympic games? Kurt: Right now I'm in Salt Lake for some ABA racing and then off to South Park next weekend for some more racing. From there we spend 10days in Murrieta training before spending a 2-week camp on the Copenhagen track.
What special gear will you be showing up with in London? Kurt: I have two custom bikes and a custom painted helmet in NZ theme thanks to Infamous designs for all the painting.
What other support are you getting as a member of the New Zealand Olympic team? Kurt: Once I got selected it was more about making sure I get what I need in the build up. I have chosen I need some more racing so that's why I'm spending some time in the States.
Do you have any expectations of the race? Kurt: It's the Olympics, the pinnacle of our sport so the pressure and atmosphere will be huge. But there's not a lot of pressure on me. I'm more the underdog so I'm thriving off that and hopefully I can put a full day together.
Opening Ceremonies. Having fun, or stressing out? Kurt: We won't actually be in the Village for the Opening as it sounds like a massive long walk. We will still be training in Copenhagen but I think I would be having fun and enjoying the whole experience.
Who are some of the people you would like to thank getting you to where you're at right now? Kurt: There have been so many people I can list but I have to say a big thanks to Bike NZ program as the past few years has been huge. Support Staff current and pas
t. Ken Cools, Ryan Hollows, Ryan Turfrey, John Cowell and all the other key people involved with making sure everything is dialed.
Last words? Kurt: Thanks for the interview, I appreciate it! Also big thanks to all my sponsors.. Crupi, Rhythm, Progate, Bike NZ, 2XU, Oakley, Ilabb, Skullcandy, ODI, Kenda, Race Ceramics, Fly Racing, Ogio, G-Shock.