MARTTI KUOPPA
Q.When did you start riding?
Since 1991.
Q.What made you start?
101 BMX tricks got me pumped to ride.
Q.What’s your riding style?
Very very very original. Also tons of flow and too much style ;)
Q.Any big influences?
Action (in all forms) inspires me.
Q.What’s your killer move? Explain.
Megaspin whopper type links – spin on a rear wheel, hop, make a full bunnyhop tailwhip
and land back on the bike or land direct to a decade. Kickflips are pretty much all invented
by me – kick the front tire and land on the peg without using your hand on the flipping part.
Q.How’s the flatland environment in your country?
The best in the world. I have A LOT of good spots during summer time and also when I
was still active my winter spot was also spot on.
Q.What was the highlight of your career?
Winning the X-Games three times in a row.
Q.What is Red Bull Circle of Balance to you?
There aren’t many high-standard contests in the BMX world, so I’m glad there’s the Red
Bull Circle of Balance. It’s something very good for flatland.
CHAD DEGROOT
Q.When did you start riding?
Since 1986.
Q.What made you start?
My big brother introduced me to it, and I’ve been addicted since then.
Q.What’s your riding style?
Your style makes you who you are. My style is how I feel my riding should look.
Q.Any big influences?
My kids, my parents, my beautiful wife. Sunny days, and clear, crisp, fresh air.
Q.What’s your killer move? Explain.
Darkside
Q.What was the highlight of your career?
Nora Cups
Q.What is Red Bull Circle of Balance to you?
The elite and best of the best going head to head. The best talent showcasing on one
stage…good times…
MICHAEL STEINGRAEBE
RQ.When did you start riding?
Since 1983.
Q.What made you start?
Saw it, tried it, loved it and still do!
Q.What’s your riding style?
I practice a lot to dial my tricks and I like my links to flow! Never underestimate the value of
the fundamentals!
Q.Any big influences
?People who are passionate about something in their lives.
Q.What’s your killer move? Explain.
Making riding seem easy.
Q.What was the highlight of your career?
Earning the silver medal in the X-Games 2000 and 2002. Taking part in Red Bull Circle of
Balance 1, 2 and 3!!
Q.What is Red Bull Circle of Balance to you?
Red Bull Circle of Balance is the original battle contest, where only riders who deserve it
can be chosen.
KOTARO TANAKA
Q.When did you start riding?
Since I was 16. It’s been 20 years now.
Q.What made you start?
My ordinary bike got stolen, and the one I bought after that
happened to be a BMX bycoincidence. I had no idea that the bike was for doing tricks.
Q.What’s your riding style?
I create the moves so that I can express my feelings.
Q.Any big influences?
My mother.
Q.What’s your killer move? Explain.
Decade. Smith Decade. The jumping moves I use at the end of the flow.
Q.What was the highlight of your career?
Being champion for the 2004 K.O.G., earning 3rd place in the 2007 Flat Ground (Holland),
and also earning 3rd place in the 2009 Extreme Summer Fes (Spain).
Q.What is Red Bull Circle of Balance to you?
A chance. It’s the biggest festival for BMX flatland. Whether the person be someone in the
scene, participating in the contest, just watching…they all have something to gain.
TRAVIS COLLIE
RQ.When did you start riding?
Since 1997.
Q.What made you start?
I was originally interested in racing, but pro riders pulled me into this sport that just feels
right.
Q.What’s your riding style?
Simply stripped down. More about flow than doing a lot of tricks.
Q.Any big influences?
In terms of riding, I’m inspired by those who do their own thing and make it look good!
Q.What’s your killer move? Explain.
Style and flow are more important than the tricks.
Q.How’s the flatland environment in your country?
It’s good. There’s lots of open spaces in Canada.
Q.What was the highlight of your career?
Traveling all over the world making friends. Getting to work on creative projects like bikes
and clothing.
Q.What is Red Bull Circle of Balance to you?
To me, it’s the most respected contest in flatland.
Red Bull Circle Of Balance 2012.
-Venue : Kyoto International Conference Center, Event Hall
-Access : Please visit venue web site for access information
-Schedule : Doors Open 17:00 Event Start 19:00 Finish 21:30
-Tickets : 5,000 yen (lower level) 3,000 yen (upper level)
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.