This weekend, Mat Rebeaud is opening up his private racing track to a group of aspiring young FMX riders. The 2008 Red Bull X-Fighters world champion will also share his unique insights into what it takes to reach the top of the sport. We caught up with the Swiss superstar to talk FMX, fans and Red Bull Under My Wings...
How important is it to have a track in your own backyard that you can adapt to your needs?
That’s actually very important and especially good to have when working on something new. You know, some kind of unique signature move nobody should knows about… unique.
Which other rider impressed you most in this year’s Red Bull X-Fighters?
Levi Sherwood.
How important are events like Under My Wing for the future of FMX?
It’s a good way to bring FMX as a sport closer to the young riders out there so that they can explore it.
Do you have any new tricks you’re working on?
That’s top secret...
What do you think are the chances of X-Fighters coming to your home country one day, say in Zurich, where they hold Freestyle.ch or perhaps Geneva?
I think it would unfortunately not only be rather difficult to get permission for such an event around here, but it would also be hard to find a unique location to begin with. You know, a location that tells a really traditional story as it does at all the other tour stops!
Who was your hero when you were a kid?
That must have been Jeremy McGrath!
What’s the funniest or worst thing a fan has ever done or asked you?
There was this girl who once asked me after a competition if she could have my underwear…
Jörg Mitter/Red Bull Photofiles
Do you miss racing like you did in your youth?
Yes, sometimes I do...
Do you talk to the guys at KTM a lot during the season about what changes and new parts you want on your next year’s bike?
No, we don’t discuss on these topics a lot. We actually speak much more about settings for my engine!
What’s your daily ride?
In the morning I usually hit the gym, while in the afternoon I go riding for about 4 hours.
What’s hot on your MP3 player at the moment?
There’s no special group at the moment, normally I’m just listening to rock music.
You’re paying your bill in a really exclusive hotel and realise they’ve forgotten to charge you for the champagne you ordered from room service, do you point out their mistake or keep quiet?
I’m Swiss, of course I’m gonna tell… [laughs]
What was your best subject at school, and could you have had another equally successful career doing something totally different?
I was pretty strong in physics – at least I think so. Hmm, being successful elsewhere, who knows...
What was the last book you read or what book are you currently reading?
I don’t read books. Motocross magazines are more my thing…
What do you think you’ll be doing in 10 or 20 years’ time?
I hopefully find a way to somehow stay in the FMX family.
For more on the 2010 Red Bull X-Fighters series head to the event’s site.
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