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In recent weeks our new BMX racer, Sylvain André took part in two rounds of the US National Series where the best riders in the world met to compete again. In his first races of the season in Houston and Rock Hill, he reached the podium and won a final round!

Setting new goals for the new year is something most of us do. How can you better yourself? Is my training on point or is there someone out there who can teach me more? Is my equipment on point? Do I need a fresh start at a new company? Today we're checking in with Sylvain André, W3 in 2019, W2 in 2021 and his sights set on the W1 plate at this year's UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Nantes, France.

Name: ANDRE
Age: 29
Hometown: Cavaillon, South Of France
Sponsors: Commencal, Armée de champions. Michelin, DIG Tracks, 6D helmets, Five Gloves, Tangent , HT Pedals, Beauty Sané

Did 2021 turn out the way you wanted?
Sylvain André: Yes and no. I was hoping for a little better at the Olympics. Even if 2nd at the World's sounds (and is) amazing, I would be down to re race that lap and try to tbone Niek [Kimmann] somewhere. French champion, 2nd at the World's and 4th at the Olympics, I am not going to complain; at all.

With the start of the new year, are you always looking to become a faster racer?

The opportunity was too good.

"Before meeting Sylvain, there had never been any question of returning to BMX, but within a few days everything had changed. We chatted, shared our stories and decided it was on, nice, let’s go! It's not complicated, it's just real life. One where nothing is ever set in stone, where our job is to dream and make people dream." - Max [Commencal].

When we offered him to race the 4X World Championships in Val di Sole in 2021 on a COMMENCAL, his response and his motivation should have alerted us about his personality. We could have understood that this meeting could not be a coincidence.

Name: ANDRE SYLVAIN
Age: 28
Hometown: Cavaillon beach, France
Plate number: 39
Hook-ups/Sponsors: French Army, WIAWIS, Lead, Dig tracks, Michelin, La Charette, HT, 6D, Tangent, Ice Fast, Five gloves, STC nutrition

---The FAT favorite list---

-Track to race on: Papendal
-Favourite Race: Papendal
-Food: Nutella cookies
-Gym: In the garage
-Person on Instagram: Ronnie Mac
-Travel destination: Race weekend
-People to ride with: The Frenchys
-Trainer/Coach: Nico Arschoot aka Fast
-Pump track: Good for: warmup during winter/ my daughter Louise

Name: ANDRE
Sponsors: French Army, WIAWIS, French Cycling, Lead, HT, DigTracks, Icefast, 6D helmets, Tangent, FiveGloves, VW, TIOGA, Suplest shoes
Mechanic: Eva and myself

Wiawis, for those who have no clue, can you tell us a little about that brand?
Sylvain André: Leaders in the Archery market, they went to BMX late 2016. Pretty simple geometry, I was on the Redline and asked them to keep it simple.

Any special reason for the purple parts on your current bike?

Join us LIVE at the Rider’s Corner with Sylvain Andre and David Graf in Heusden-Zolder ahead of tomorrow's 2019 UCI BMX World Championships. Sylvan Andre is the defending 2018 UCI BMX World Champion whilst David Graf will be looking to upgrade his bronze medal from 2015!

Name: André, Sylvain
Racing number: 1
Hometown: Cavaillon beach, France
Elite Men UCI World Cup Ranking 2018:  3

Being in the top 10 in the UCI World Cup Ranking, what's your goal for the last two rounds in SDE?
Sylvain André: Winning this thing is nearly impossible. But there’s still a chance to end up 2nd in the series. Anyway, my goal is to be in both main events.

Is the Olympic qualifying period on your mind when you're doing races after 1 September?

Elite Results French BMX Cup round 10

Elite Women:
1. Mariana Pajon
2. Axelle Etienne
3. Camille Maire
4. Manon Valentino
5. Eloise Francineau