Raphael Chiquet says brakes are for fags. COB preview interview

Feb 18, 2007

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 12276 times

Have you entered a Red Bull Circle of Balance competition before?
Raphael Chiquet: No, first time.

Do you think it's right that the event is taking place in Japan this time?
Raphael Chiquet: Yes, I think this event has to take place there.

Do you believe that Japan is the country where flatland is most popular?
Raphael Chiquet: For sure, I think you can find riders everywhere in the country. That's amazing.

Do you have an idea why?
Raphael Chiquet: I think the Japanese way of thinking is appropriate for flatland: originality, technicality, underground.

How crazy do you think the crowd will go when the battles start?
Raphael Chiquet: I guess the crowd is gonna be one of the craziest ever seen, shouting from everyone!!

Does anyone in this rider group have a chance to win or do you have a favorite for the victory?
Raphael Chiquet: My favourite is Alex, then I think Viki and Martti will take a good place for sure.

How stoked are you to be chosen to ride at the COB?
Raphael Chiquet: For me that's the best event ever for BMX flatland and they only choose the 18 top flatlanders so I'm very proud to participate. I only disagree that my friend Matthias wasn't chosen, he deserves it more than half of the qualified people (and they know it).

Thanks to: Andy, Alex, Alain, Martti, Viki all the riders I have been riding with.

BIKE CHECK Raphael Chiquet

Frame: KGB psyconnexion
Fork: KHE tanaka
Crankset: KHE
BB Set: euro
Sprocket: KGB
Pedals: KGB
Handlebar: KGB return 2
Stem: KGB trap
Grips: odi
Seat Post: Thompson
Seat Clamp: flatground
Front Hub: KHE
Rear Hub: KHE
Tires: KHE and aclass
Pegs: Suelo magnesium 2
Brakes: Brakes are for faggots!

Modifications: I cut the dropout, the ad bolts and I drilled my frame. The best thing on my bike are the homemade custom finger protection around my front hub, like some hubguards made of grips.