Focus race by race. The Romain Mahieu (FRA) interview.

Sep 19, 2018

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 4229 times

Name: Mahieu Romain
Racing number: #100
Hometown: SQY, France
Elite Men UCI World Cup Ranking 2018: 4th

Being in the top 10 in the UCI World Cup Ranking, what's your goal for the last two rounds in SDE?
Romain Mahieu: We are pretty tight in points with Twan, so the goal will be to keep that 4th place in the ranking. Which means being in the mains and doing my best to get a podium.

Is the Olympic qualifying period on your mind when you're doing races after 1 September?
Romain Mahieu: Well, of course we all think about it now. But it doesn’t really change anything for me. I’m just gonna go to every race the same way I was going earlier this year.

What's the best section on the track in Santiago del Estero?
Romain Mahieu: I like the pro set. There is nothing big but you have to be clean and smooth.

How long is your travel from home to Rounds 7&8 in Argentina?
Romain Mahieu: Hm, very long... I don’t really know exactly haha. I’d say more than 20 hours!

What is your best result on that SDE track up until now?

Romain Mahieu: I went there only once in 2016 and it didn’t go well. Ended up in 1/8.

Who do you think will be your biggest competition?
Romain Mahieu: There are a lot of fast dudes. I won’t focus on anyone. Like I said I’ll just do my best to keep that 4th place

Do you fear anyone in particular on the track because of his sketchy riding?
Romain Mahieu: Haha.. I don’t fear anyone but sometimes you know that you have to be careful when you have that guy in front of you or that other guy next to you.

Do you enjoy traveling to BMX races all over the world?
Romain Mahieu: Of course. That’s my job and I love it!

Are you satisfied with the World Cup position you're in at the moment?
Romain Mahieu: Yes because that’s the best position I have ever been in in the ranking but not really satisfied because I messed up the last few rounds and lost a lot of points on the podium.

Do you think you can move upto a podium spot of the UCI World Cup ranking after the last two rounds in Argentina?
Romain Mahieu: Honestly it’s gonna be tough. Sylvain is 3rd with +160 pts. Everything can happen but he has been consistent all year.

What's the best part about racing in Santiago del Estero?
Romain Mahieu: Definitely, the fans ! It’s crazy to see the love they have for BMX there. That’s awesome.

Are you taking any stickers for the fans to Argentina?
Romain Mahieu: I didn’t think about it but now you asked me, I’ll make sure to bring some with me.

Who helps out a lot when you're at a big race?
Romain Mahieu: Lots of people. The French team of course, they take care of everything and for that kind of long trip it’s easier when you just have to follow everyone. They make sure we are in the best conditions for the race. My sponsors, my coach, my family.

Is there time for a World Cup after-party in SDE?
Romain Mahieu: For sure. It’s the last World Cup race of the season.

Pics by Bart de Jong/FATBMX