2022 GOALS: Cameron Wood (USA)

Feb 07, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2122 times

Name: Cameron Wood
Age: 20
Hometown: Bozeman, MT, USA
Sponsors: Mongoose/ USABMX Foundation/ Troy Lee Designs/ Promax/ Box

Did 2021 turn out the way you wanted?
Cameron Wood: “Yes and no. 2021 was my first full race season as a pro, so I did a lot of growing. I met a lot of goals and also failed to reach others. Aside from results, I made sure I learned something and took something away from every race that helped me improve. I truly believe that a full year has helped me grow mentally and physically and I'll be a better racer for it moving forward.”

With the start of the new year, are you always looking to become a faster racer?
Cameron Wood: “Yes. At the highest level of sport you can expect everybody to have the same answer.”

Have you picked your races for 2022 yet?
Cameron Wood: “The USABMX circuit will be a priority again. As well as some UCI World Cups and the UCI World Championships. I would love to do some more international racing this year.”

What did you change on your bike for 2022?

Cameron Wood: “As for components, I partnered with Promax for 2022 and will be running their hoops, brakes/brake lever, stem, seat clamp. All of which I've really enjoyed so far. Additionally, Mongoose released the new 2022 Title series. I finished last year on the new orange Title Elite and I have been riding the new Title Teams for the past month. Both have been great, you can’t go wrong with any of the new title series frames.”

Do you generally test things in the off season like different tires, different sized frames, wider bars, longer stems, different gears?
Cameron Wood: “Not really. I think the best thing you can do is find what you are comfortable with and leave it.”

What racing gear will you be running in 2022?
Cameron Wood: “Troy Lee Designs, head to toe!”

What's the helmet of your choice for the new season?
Cameron Wood: “Troy Lee Designs D4 Carbon. Best in the business!”

Do you intend to eat better in 2022?
Cameron Wood: “I have a good diet. I eat a lot of food but I make sure it’s good food haha.”

Has your training schedule changed from last year?
Cameron Wood: “I’d say it changes depending on what the race schedule looks like. If we are in the middle of a cluster of races it’s important to stay fresh/sharp. But in the offseason you can get away with being in the pit more and dealing with fatigue. We are constantly evolving and trying to get that 1% better.”

Who is helping you with your training schedule?
Cameron Wood: “Sam Willoughby”

What's your local BMX track that you ride the most?
Cameron Wood: “When I am at home in Arizona I spend a lot of time at both Black Mountain BMX and Goodyear BMX. I also make frequent trips to Chula Vista, CA to be hands-on with my coach and ride the tracks at the US Olympic Training Center.”

Do you ride pump tracks and trails to improve your bike handling skills?
Cameron Wood: “On rare occasions. It is fun every once in a while to spend some time on dirt jumps or pump tracks but I enjoy just pushing the limits and trying new things on race tracks to improve my skills.”

What are your strengths?
Cameron Wood: “I love the day to day effort this sport requires. Everyday I have something to chase and it makes each day purposeful and exciting. One of my biggest strengths is that I can put forth the same high quality effort and focus this sport demands on a daily basis, regardless if there is or isn’t an audience. I treat everyday as if it’s an opportunity to get better. I’m a huge believer in preparation and I take pride in it. I also am very fortunate and have a lot of amazing people that support me and help me along the way and I couldn’t do it without them.”

What are your weaknesses?
Cameron Wood: “In a sport like BMX there are so many things that can cost you. Whether it's a mistake around the track, a bad start, poor acceleration, mental, etc. I’ve had it all happen to me. I'm a very analytical guy, I try to look at every aspect of myself as an area for improvement. Self awareness is an important thing in BMX and every race there is always something that you can pick apart and find ways to better yourself. ”

What are your goals for 2022?
Cameron Wood: “Try to win the next race! All we have is the present moment and I want to embrace that in 2022 and keep taking it a race at a time.”