Q: This is your first year in the Elite class which is quite a step up. What are your goals for Worlds?
A
: Yeah it is going to be tough and a major leap from what I am used to, so my goals are just to race as hard as I can, make my country and the people who support me proud and learn as much as I can for future races. Q: To someone who wants to know more about racing BMX in South Africa, what is the scene like, how are the tracks and is it pretty big?
A: Bmx has really taken off in SA in the past 2 years, the exposure the sport has got after Sifiso raced the Olympics and putting the new tracks in the right areas, such as Giba Gorge and Bryanstan has been a step in the right direction and has accelerated the growth. The tracks are getting more gnarly which is better preparing us for races like the world champs and the world cups and the talent coming through the younger age groups is really phenominal
Q: Are there any riders that you are a fan of that you cant wait to watch at Worlds? I guess now that you are in Elites you get a front row seat.
A: Just about everyone racing Elite is always a pleasure to watch, but let's hope my front row seat is from in the lead...
Q: You had just built that new bike up before we shot these photos. How does it feel?
A: I had a blast on it today! With my sponsor RED on board I was able to make sure I got the best componants on it and it's looking really good, and you know what they say -when you look good - you feel good, and when you feel good- you ride good !
Q: Do you ever swap jerseys with anyone from another country after all the racing is done at Worlds? A: haha yeah I do, I don't know what it is but the other Countries go crazy for our jerseys, must be the African animals or something but there's been times when people have got down on there knees and begged for mine even offering to pay, other times I've had dudes trying to rip it off me- haha it's insane
Q: Other South Africans like Gavin Lubbe and Sifiso Nhlapo are all racing in either Europe or the States now. Any plans to try out any series outside of ZA in the future?
A: I for sure want to get out onto the American or European circuits and try attend all the world cup rounds to pick up my riding level and gain a whole lot of experience which is what I and many other SA riders lack when we race the worlds
Q: What is your favorite thing on Fatbmx? Some of those pin up girls are pretty cool.
A: haha nah my girlfriend Christine is a 10 outa 10 so those pin up girls don't phase me, but I enjoy seeing not only racing but the freestyle side and other cultures of bmx - nothing beats the "BMX Racing" link though!
Q: Have you ever crossed over to the darkside and tried some freestyle? A: I have! Even entered a dirt comp once but I sucked and I still do. Done a back flip into a foampit if that counts?
Q: Who do you mainly ride and train with?
A: I'm part of the SA High Performace team headed by Jonnathan Chislett (W1 25-29 men) as the coach. So all my track, gym, sprints and velodrome sessions are with him and the rest of the team including Teagan.
Q: Going to World's ain't cheap, who helped you out?
A: You can never leave out the old M&D Racing (haha Mom and Dad) but a huge shout out to Mr Price Red who cover my travel and other expenses, make sure I am kitted out in the best casual clothes, and then further support from Leatt-Brace, Troy Lee Designs and Giba Gorge is much appreciated.
By Lloyd Ramsay
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.