2021 UEC European BMX Elite Champion and current leader of the UCI ranking Arthur Pilard had a great year but staying on the top is harder than getting there some say. With a new bike, the loss of the mental coach and many athletes trying to take his leading position, 2022 is not going to be an easy cruise for the Frenchman. Arthur is prepared for what's to come. Check his 2022 prep interview below.
Name: PILARD Arthur
Age: 26 years old
City of origin: SQY, France
Sponsors: INSPYRE / PRIDE RACING / SAINT-BRIEUC BMX / SPORT RAD DISTRIBUTION / GFORM / XFORCE / VEE TIRE / OGIO / BACQUER / AU FIL DES ROUTES
Did 2021 turn out as you wished?
Arthur Pilard: Yes, even better! I had an incredible 2021 season, I learned a lot during this year.
With the beginning of the new year, are you still looking to become a faster rider?
Arthur Pilard: This year with my coach we will try new things, work on my faults and do some races.
Inspyre Bicycles has today announced the signing of Arthur Pilard until 2024 and beyond. The 2021 European champion and 2021 World number 5 found a new home on the Inspyre Factory team. Consistent performer years after years, the 26-year-old French Man backed-up his 5th place at the Worlds in 2021 with a super strong season and ending the 2021 season with a second place at the French Championship.
"I've known Arthur since his very young age, we originally come from the same region, I still remember joking with his father around the track. I was really impressed by Arthur since the beginning, technical, incredible flow and super fast on the track. I am super happy to have Arthur on board.
Name: Arthur PILARD
Age: 25
Hometown: SQY (France)
Plate number: 130
Hook-ups/Sponsors: SUNN
---The FAT favourite list----
-Track to race on: SQY
-Favourite Race: UCI World Cup Zolder 2019
Riding at the Bordeaux track with Eddy Clerté.
Name: Arthur PILARD
Sponsors: SUNN / KENNY / PRIDE / XFORCE / GFORM / HT / SAINT-BRIEUC
How many sessions did it take you to get used to the SUNN bike when you first received it?
Arthur Pilard: It doesn't usually take me a long time to adapt to a new bike, I would say one session.
With the forks having the drop-outs straight under the forks, did you notice any difference?
Arthur Pilard: At first it feels weird, but you get used to it and it bothers me no more.
Are you happy with the disc brake?
Name: Arthur PILARD
Racing number: 130
Hometown: Saint-Brieuc, France
Have things changed for you since 1 September, the day the Olympic qualifying period has started?
Arthur PILARD: No, nothing has changed for me, I will continue to give 100% for my nation and proudly represent my country.
Are you looking for races where you can score more points?
Arthur PILARD: I don’t have any race in mind at the moment, we didn’t start talking about it with the team and coaches. I still would like to go to the United States this winter to do some races because I’ve never been there yet.
Has peaking after 1 September been something you aimed for?
Arthur PILARD: Initially no date was given regarding the opening of quotas, so it wasn’t a goal. Now that the quotas are open, we will work hard to get the first place in the ranking.
How badly do you want to go to Tokyo for the Olympic Games in 2020?
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.