Bull Phenom project giving BMX Street rookies the opportunity to take part in their own competition during the X Games? I think it’s definitely a great idea to give some underdogs the chance to break through. You always see the same faces at these contests. Now, some other riders have the opportunity to join the X Games. It’s a bummer though that we don’t have a BMX street course here in Munich. That’s bad for all German street riders as they’ve really got what it takes!
What do you think about the X Games in general? Are events like this of any interest for the German scene and up-and-coming riders at all? The X Games are a great help to bring BMX to a wider audience. If the riders become more famous and the “normal” people get to know BMX better, that’s nothing but positive. And if they even begin to understand more about BMX and especially BMX Street, then it’s even better as people won’t complain about Street any more, and that’s good for all of us.
You’ve taken part in the X Games several times. How do you feel when you compete at major events like this?
I went to China and Los Angeles, and the street parks there were really awesome. This motivated me a lot. But for me it isn’t very stressful to ride the X Games. You have one week for the training, and the competition is only one hour. You have to focus on this hour but it’s definitely cool to take part. The contest is also fun as the other dudes I’m riding with are my homies anyway. That’s why it isn’t too competitive.
For young riders, the X Games seem to be out of reach. How do pros get to the X Games? That’s not easy. Not everybody can ride the X Games. You have to be invited. Some day, you’ll get an email with the invitation and they’ll ask if you want to accept the invitation. And here you go!
Red Bull Phenom gives rising talents the chance to participate in their own competition during the L.A. X Games. That’s a great opportunity, isn’t it?
For sure, as it’s so easy to join in! At nearly each session you do, you normally shoot with your camera anyway. So all you have to do for your Red Bull Phenom clip is to stick your best 60-second line, pack it into a cool clip and upload it to the website. That’s all. It couldn’t be simpler, and it could pay off quickly.
And what happens if you win? Do you have to fly to L.A. all on your own and compete with the stars of the scene there?
You’re not really on your own as Red Bull will take care of you. The people there are really nice. The team manager will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel and things like that. You can completely focus on your riding and don’t need to care about other things. The other contestants at the Red Bull Phenom competition are rookies like yourself. And for sure the pros will give you props, too. You really don’t need to worry about that. It’s great fun to take part in the X Games!
If the Red Bull Phenom project would have been existing in your own youth already, would you have participated? Definitely! If I would have had the chance back then, I would have sent in a clip with my best line for sure. If there’s a contest like this, you should try and take part. You won’t get a better opportunity to join in the X Games.
Summer has already begun, what’s your next project?
Apart from the competitions, I’ll shoot for some videos like Dub DVD, Federal Webvideos and some other projects developing. I’m looking forward to the contests but I’ll also take the time to do videos and photos, as that’s very important for me. I’ll definitely have a lot to do this summer!
Thanks for the interview, Bruno!
Thank you, guys!
So don’t waste any time. Get out there, nail that move, upload your video to YouTube using the key words “Red Bull Phenom”, and then submit the video link to www.redbullphenom.com.
Application phase starts now, ends July 05, 2013
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.