What was it like riding X Games last year?
During my career I have been to Dew Tour, Red Bull
X-Fighters and FIM World Championships, but I
never had the opportunity to go to X Games, so for
me, everything was new and beautiful.
I had been trying to ride X Games for two or three
years, but it never happened. At 29 years old I didn’t
think there was still a chance for me to ride at X
Games, but then the world tour happened. After
riding in Brazil, I finished 4th in Speed & Style, 4th in
Freestyle and got a bronze medal in Step-Up.
After this I got the invite for the next X Games
events on the world tour.
In Barcelona the Freestyle was cancelled, so
I only rode Step-Up. I finished 4th because I
changed my bike and altered some settings,
but it was all good and I still got the invite for
Munich.
In Munich everything went perfect for me and
I won the gold medal in Step-Up. I was so
stoked and was just so happy to get to ride
with the big X Games riders. Since last year
I started to feel a bit older you know, and
honestly I didn’t think I’d get this amazing
opportunity, so I want to put in the work and
make the most of it!
What has changed in your life after your
gold medal?
Honestly, not that much. Maybe a bit in
my mi nd because I feel stronger and more
confident, but I’m still practicing hard like
before, maybe with a bit more focus on StepUp now. Sadly there were no big changes in my life..
or in my bank account hahaa.
I did manage to extend my contracts with my USA
sponsors like Fox and Rockstar which was cool.
What do you think about the current FMX level in
Europe and in the world?
I think now a lot of the top riders in the world are
from Europe, take a look at Tom Pagès, Rémi
Bizouard, Mat Rebeaud, Dany Torres - these guys
are always bringing something new to the table. In
America the FMX scene looks like it’s not progressing
like it is over here, for example I can only really say
that Adam Jones is improving his style and tricks.
Other riders like Nate Adams, Mike Mason and
Jeremy Stenberg have stayed at the same level for
years. I think Australia is one of the best countries for
FMX at the moment, they are pushing hard. Riders
like Jacko Strong, Josh Sheenan, Robbie Maddison,
Rob Adelberg, Clinton Moore, they are all riding in
the best FMX events in the world.
Why are there no riders from China?
Good question..I don’t know, especially as there are
two billion people there. Maybe it’s too much “free”
82 | FreestyleXtreme