FreestyleXtreme Magazine Issue 15 | Page 59

Aaah, so now the real story comes out! Hahaha. But it’s interesting you say the riders have toned it back, especially as downhillers have always had a reputation as wild partiers. Yeah, downhill parties aren’t what they used to be. It used to be that the whole field would be there. Now, unless there’s a couple-week break, it’s just a few guys hanging out. I think the sport has lost a little bit of its social side, but at the same time it has progressed so much. You can’t compare the level of racing today to what it was five years ago. It’s on a whole new level, so I guess the sport had to take those steps of professionalism. There’re a few guys that will try and keep the “ I think the pressure helps me perform… it definitely brings out the best in me social side going and if the riders don’t then the mechanics certainly do! Haha, I’ve heard those guys aren’t scared to carry on a bit. What do you think of the scene as a whole at the moment? Is it in a good place? It’s really strong. The racing was really good this year. Danny [Hart] stepping up to challenge Aaron [Gwin] and Troy [Brosnan] was great to watch. I think we’re in a good place and with Red Bull TV trying to improve their production for TV, that’s really good for us. All the teams want to grow, the pits are healthy, the racing’s intense and it’s making it quite an exciting sport to be a part of. u