My 2017: Nikita Ducarroz

Dec 10, 2017

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 5950 times

My 2017. The BMX girls had a killer year in 2017. Nikita Ducarroz is one of the more professional riders with a strong list of sponsors backing her up. Although Nikita lives in the USA and grew up there, she has chosen to represent Switzerland on her way to the qualifying process for the first Olympic Games that BMX Park is a part of. Read below what Nikita has to say about 2017.

Name: Nikita Ducarroz
Hometown: Glen Ellen, California
Sponsors: Mongoose, Joby, G-Form, Extreme, Black&Decker

Do you remember the first BMX event you went to this year and how did it go?
Nikita Ducarroz: First event was FISE Montpellier. It was my first big overseas event and actually the only stop this year where I stomped my run start to finish with the 540. There were so many amazing riders there that when I made podium, it was a huge accomplishment!

How many weekends/days were you away from home and at a BMX jam/contest or on tour?
Nikita Ducarroz: It felt like I was never home this year between BMX and family trips, but it was only about 11 weekends out of the year that I was at BMX contests. About 80 days.

What was the best event you went to this year that gets your vote?

Nikita Ducarroz: I honestly couldn’t pick one. Each event, from US Open, to X Games, to FISE, had their good and bad times, but at the end of the day, it’s been hard to go home from every single one because it’s so much fun spending an entire week (sometimes more) with all of your friends from around the world and riding fun spots.

What contest placing were you stoked on this year?
Nikita Ducarroz: I was really happy with the first three FISE spots and just making it on the podium in such a tough field. The level has really stepped up and I have my work cut out for me for 2018!

What trick/move were you happy to pull for the first time this year?
Nikita Ducarroz: I’m always happy when I can land a 540. Also was stoked to land a flip tuck for my Mongoose edit. I’ve been trying to learn some new tricks but also working a lot on just flow and height and being more comfortable on my bike. I’m having a blast!

What BMX move stands out the most to you that somebody did this year?
Nikita Ducarroz: Hannah’s flair tuck was insane. I hope we get to see that next year on the course.

Who had the best looking bike in 2017?
Nikita Ducarroz: Danny Josa always has the cleanest looking bike for sure!

Who had the best video/video-part that stuck out to you?
Nikita Ducarroz: Anything Dennis put out this year.

What was your worst injury in 2017?
Nikita Ducarroz: 2017 was my year for getting stitches, and apparently I also chipped my elbow one of those times but I didn’t find out until 5 months later so it doesn’t really count haha.

Worst thing that happened while you’re on the road?
Nikita Ducarroz: Seeing Hannah get knocked out and sent flying by a golf cart in China. Glad she’s ok, cause she scared me half to death.

How many flat tires did you have the past 12 months?
Nikita Ducarroz: I went through a few weeks time where I had something wrong with my rim and would get multiple explosive flats every time I changed a tube (multiple times a day). Other than that, just a few here and there.

Best meal you had?
Nikita Ducarroz: All the seiche (cuttlefish) dishes they served everywhere in France. I tried it for the first time at the Mongoose dinner and they actually brought out the entire thing.

Best party you visited in 2017?
Nikita Ducarroz: Didn’t really go out too much.

Raddest person you got to hang out with this year?
Nikita Ducarroz: Too many to name! It still blows my mind that I’m friends with my heroes. Just being able to make friends from literally every country in the world, and hang out with them for weeks out of the year is one of the best parts of BMX!

Best thing you saw in 2017?
Nikita Ducarroz: Seeing the women’s class and BMX in generally completely exploding this year.

Plans for 2018?
Nikita Ducarroz: Keep progressing, having fun, graduate from college, hit all the FISE stops, some Vans Cup, maybe X Games, film some fun stuff and hang out all over the world with my best friends.