FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

Name: Raymon van der Biezen
Age: 21
Hometown: Heesch, Netherlands
Sponsors: Redline, Rabobank, TroyLeeDesigns, Shimano, Giro, Pro, Swatch, Sinz, Intense tires, HVM Parts, EVS Protection, Spy Optics, Jack Martens.

Congratulations on the spot in the Dutch team going to the Olympics. Is it a big relief for you?

Name: Bart Mol
Age: 22 years old
Hometown: Gilze, Netherlands
Sponsors: Myself

Your background is BMX racing, what was the moment that you decided to stop racing and enjoy dirt jumpin/freestyle?
Bart Mol: When it went to serious for me. I had to train every day

The air was thick with humidity to the point it felt like you had asthma with each step you took. During the entire day, there was noise, music, and flying skate boards everywhere. This was the best way to sum 2008’s Vans Warped Tour stop in Indianapolis. I had just finished up PBR number 2 when Rick Thorne had got off the mini ramp. He was breathing hard and commenting about how hot it was. I asked him if he wanted to do an interview and he was cool with it. He just wanted to sit in front of the fan for a minute to cool off. As he chilled, I looked around to find some paper, but had not luck. Then I saw a PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer) box lying on the ground. I guess it will work in a pinch. There was a stage to the right, one in front off to the distance, and one directly on the left side of us. We had to yell at each other to communicate. To solve the problem, we headed into a semi trailer to cut down on the noise.

The noise was a little better, but the heat had gotten even worse. The trailer was sitting in the sun and baking us like grandma’s 

Name: Michael Steingraeber, a.k.a.: Mike S.
Age: 37
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Sponsors: Vans, Eastpak, Dragonfly, People's Store

Top 5's:
Best 5 places visited:
1) Sydney, Australia
2) Long Beach, USA
3) Barcelona, Spain
4) Tokyo, Japan
 5) Koblenz, Germany

5 Best contest results:
1) Silver Medal, 2000 X-Games San Francisco
2) Silver Medal, 2002 X-Games Philadelphia
3) 2nd place 2002 World Championship Cologne 

Getting organized is tough to do, but BMX flatland has their own organization. We checked in with Flatland guru Yasuyuki Takeo who is involved with the BFWC.

There is some structure in flatland in the way of the BMX Flatland world circuit. Can you explain what the BFWC does?
Yasu: BFWC was established to represent Flatland more professional and worldwide.

How many contests have been organized under the BFWC umbrella?
Yasu: Currently BFWC is consist of 3 contests, Voodoo Jam (USA), Suzuki BMX Masters( Germany ) and King of Ground (Japan)

Do riders have to become a member of the BFWC to compete in the BFWC?
Yasu: We don't have membership so far, so anyone can join a

Name: Mike Spinner
Age: 20
Hometown: Miami Fl
Sponsors: Mirraco BIkes, Monster energy, Ballpark Franks, Nike 6.0, Maxxis Tires, Bell helmets, Albe's Mailorder

Do you ride flatland much?
Mike Spinner: When I'm in front of my house, or I'm in a parking lot with a bunch of my friends. 

The Red Bull Circle Of Balance events have been the highlight for many flatland riders. We caught up with Andy Zeiss who has been strongly involved with the events as Red Bull's BMX man.

The Red Bull Circle Of Balance events have been THE events for flatland riders to look out for. How many have taken place and where were they held?
Andy Zeiss: In total we had three COB´s in the past. 2002 and 2004

Name: Alain Massabova
Age: 36
Hometown: Paris, France
Occupation: Cream magazine publisher, ABadThing team manager

You have been involved with flatland riding for many years. What keeps you motivated to ride your bike after all those years? 

Viki Gomez has been on top of the flatland scene for a long time. Getting to the top is hard, but staying there is even harder. Viki's riding style is unique; fast, original and tech. Contests don't bother him too much any more but when he shows up, he could just win it like he did at the Circle of Balance in Japan last year. With "Bike 'n Mic" he is also doing shows in countries where most of us have never traveled to.The Spaniard is co-owner of KGB and will always be involved in the flatland scene.  Enjoy these great photos of  Viki.

Name: Rob Alton
Age: 37 in August
Hometown: NOW. Vesegyház, Hungary.
Occupation: Professional Show Flatlander

Can you tell us a little history on your contest days in the UK?
Rob Alton: During the late 80's I was always in the top 3 or winning my age group in Flatland contests. I was just about at every contest all over the country. My last contest was in 1990. 1989 I won the 17+ class Worlds which was in Paris.

Weren't you sponsored by HARO and Vision or something?
Rob Alton: Shortly after the Paris Worlds in 1989 I was riding for Vision and Haro for about 3 years. I still have some shirts too! They gave us so much gear it was great, bike parts and clothing.

Which international contests did you do?